Simplifying Algebraic Expressions: (a³ - 2a²) - (3a² - 4a³)
This article will guide you through the process of simplifying the algebraic expression **(a³ - 2a²) - (3a² - 4a³) **.
Understanding the Expression
The expression contains terms with variables raised to different powers. Here's a breakdown:
- a³: a variable 'a' raised to the power of 3 (a * a * a)
- a²: a variable 'a' raised to the power of 2 (a * a)
To simplify, we need to combine like terms. Like terms are terms that have the same variable and the same exponent.
Simplifying the Expression
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Distribute the negative sign: The minus sign in front of the second set of parentheses means we need to multiply each term inside by -1: (a³ - 2a²) + (-1 * 3a²) + (-1 * -4a³)
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Combine like terms: Identify terms with the same variable and exponent: a³ + 4a³ - 2a² - 3a²
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Simplify: Combine the coefficients of the like terms: 5a³ - 5a²
The Final Answer
The simplified form of the expression (a³ - 2a²) - (3a² - 4a³) is 5a³ - 5a².