Simplifying the Expression: (8x² + 2x – 6) – (5x² – 3x + 2)
This article will guide you through the steps to simplify the given expression: (8x² + 2x – 6) – (5x² – 3x + 2).
Understanding the Problem
The expression involves subtracting two polynomials. To simplify it, we need to apply the distributive property and combine like terms.
Steps to Simplify
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Distribute the negative sign: The minus sign in front of the second polynomial implies that we are subtracting each term within the parentheses.
(8x² + 2x – 6) + (-1)(5x² – 3x + 2)
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Multiply the second polynomial by -1:
(8x² + 2x – 6) + (-5x² + 3x - 2)
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Combine like terms: Group the terms with the same variable and exponent.
(8x² - 5x²) + (2x + 3x) + (-6 - 2)
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Simplify: Perform the operations within each group.
3x² + 5x - 8
Solution
The simplified form of the expression (8x² + 2x – 6) – (5x² – 3x + 2) is 3x² + 5x - 8.