Simplifying Polynomials: A Step-by-Step Guide
This article will guide you through the process of simplifying the expression: (x^5+3x^4-x+7)+(3x^5-8x^4-x^3+12)
Understanding the Process
The expression involves polynomials, which are algebraic expressions made up of variables and constants combined using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and non-negative integer exponents.
To simplify this expression, we'll use the following steps:
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Identify like terms: Like terms are terms with the same variable and exponent. For example, '3x^4' and '-8x^4' are like terms.
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Combine like terms: Add or subtract the coefficients of like terms.
Step-by-Step Solution
Let's break down the simplification:
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(x^5+3x^4-x+7)+(3x^5-8x^4-x^3+12)
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Identify like terms:
- x^5 terms: x^5 and 3x^5
- x^4 terms: 3x^4 and -8x^4
- x^3 terms: -x^3
- x terms: -x
- Constant terms: 7 and 12
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Combine like terms:
- x^5 terms: x^5 + 3x^5 = 4x^5
- x^4 terms: 3x^4 - 8x^4 = -5x^4
- x^3 terms: -x^3
- x terms: -x
- Constant terms: 7 + 12 = 19
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Combine all terms:
- 4x^5 - 5x^4 - x^3 - x + 19
Final Answer
The simplified form of the expression (x^5+3x^4-x+7)+(3x^5-8x^4-x^3+12) is 4x^5 - 5x^4 - x^3 - x + 19.