Simplifying the Expression: 0.5(x^4-3) + 12
This article will guide you through the process of simplifying the algebraic expression 0.5(x^4-3) + 12. Let's break it down step by step:
1. Distribute the 0.5
The first step is to distribute the 0.5 to both terms inside the parentheses:
- 0.5 * x^4 = 0.5x^4
- 0.5 * -3 = -1.5
Now the expression looks like this: 0.5x^4 - 1.5 + 12
2. Combine Constant Terms
Next, we combine the constant terms -1.5 and 12:
- -1.5 + 12 = 10.5
The simplified expression is now: 0.5x^4 + 10.5
Final Simplified Expression
Therefore, the simplified form of the expression 0.5(x^4-3) + 12 is 0.5x^4 + 10.5.
This expression represents a quartic polynomial, which is a polynomial with a highest power of 4.