Simplifying Algebraic Expressions: (m^2 - 2mn + n^2) + (-2m^2 + mn)
In algebra, simplifying expressions involves combining like terms to make the expression easier to understand and work with. Let's simplify the following expression:
(m^2 - 2mn + n^2) + (-2m^2 + mn)
Step 1: Identify Like Terms
Like terms are terms that have the same variables raised to the same powers. In this expression, we have:
- m^2 terms: m^2 and -2m^2
- mn terms: -2mn and mn
- n^2 term: n^2
Step 2: Combine Like Terms
We can combine the coefficients of each like term:
- m^2 terms: m^2 - 2m^2 = -m^2
- mn terms: -2mn + mn = -mn
- n^2 term: n^2 remains the same
Step 3: Write the Simplified Expression
Putting it all together, the simplified expression is:
-m^2 - mn + n^2
Therefore, (m^2 - 2mn + n^2) + (-2m^2 + mn) simplifies to -m^2 - mn + n^2.