Simplifying Polynomial Expressions
In mathematics, polynomials are expressions consisting of variables and coefficients, combined using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and non-negative integer exponents. Simplifying polynomials involves combining like terms to express the polynomial in its most compact form.
Let's consider the following expression:
(x^6 + 10x^5 - 6x^2 - 5x) + (-9x^5 + 5x^3 + 9x^2 + x + 10)
To simplify this expression, we will follow these steps:
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Identify like terms: Like terms are terms that have the same variable and exponent. In our expression, we have:
- x^6: This term is only present once.
- x^5: We have 10x^5 and -9x^5.
- x^3: We have 5x^3.
- x^2: We have -6x^2 and 9x^2.
- x: We have -5x and x.
- Constant: We have 10.
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Combine like terms: We add or subtract the coefficients of the like terms.
- x^6: Remains as x^6.
- x^5: 10x^5 - 9x^5 = x^5
- x^3: Remains as 5x^3.
- x^2: -6x^2 + 9x^2 = 3x^2.
- x: -5x + x = -4x.
- Constant: Remains as 10.
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Write the simplified expression: Putting it all together, we get the simplified form:
x^6 + x^5 + 5x^3 + 3x^2 - 4x + 10
Therefore, the simplified form of the given expression is x^6 + x^5 + 5x^3 + 3x^2 - 4x + 10.