Question

[7.02] Explain, in your own words, the step-by-step process to simplifying the expression below. Include the simplified answer in your explanation.

(8x2 + 5) − (3x2 − x + 7)

Answer 1

First you should remove the parentheses. These means distributing the negative from the subtraction sign across the 2nd set.

So:

8x^2 + 5 - 3x^2 + x - 7.

Then you combine like terms:

5x^2 - 2 + x

Then you rewrite in standard form:

5x^2 + x - 2