Simplifying Polynomial Expressions
This article will guide you through the process of simplifying the polynomial expression:
(y^3 - 7x^4y^4) + (-10x^4y^3 + 6y^3 + 4x^4y^4) - (x^4y^3 + 6x^4y^4)
Understanding the Basics
Before we begin, let's understand some key concepts:
- Polynomial: A polynomial is an expression consisting of variables and coefficients, combined using addition, subtraction, and multiplication.
- Terms: Each part of a polynomial separated by addition or subtraction is called a term.
- Like terms: Terms with the same variables and exponents are called like terms. For example, 3x²y and -5x²y are like terms.
- Simplifying: Simplifying a polynomial means combining like terms to express it in its simplest form.
Simplifying the Expression
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Remove the parentheses: Since we are adding and subtracting polynomials, we can remove the parentheses without changing the signs of the terms.
(y^3 - 7x^4y^4) + (-10x^4y^3 + 6y^3 + 4x^4y^4) - (x^4y^3 + 6x^4y^4) = y^3 - 7x^4y^4 - 10x^4y^3 + 6y^3 + 4x^4y^4 - x^4y^3 - 6x^4y^4
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Identify like terms: We need to group together terms with the same variables and exponents:
- y^3 terms: y^3 + 6y^3
- x^4y^4 terms: -7x^4y^4 + 4x^4y^4 - 6x^4y^4
- x^4y^3 terms: -10x^4y^3 - x^4y^3
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Combine like terms: Now, we add or subtract the coefficients of the like terms:
- y^3 terms: 7y^3
- x^4y^4 terms: -9x^4y^4
- x^4y^3 terms: -11x^4y^3
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Write the simplified expression: Finally, we combine the simplified terms:
7y^3 - 9x^4y^4 - 11x^4y^3
Final Answer
Therefore, the simplified form of the polynomial expression (y^3 - 7x^4y^4) + (-10x^4y^3 + 6y^3 + 4x^4y^4) - (x^4y^3 + 6x^4y^4) is 7y^3 - 9x^4y^4 - 11x^4y^3.