Question

(2x squared - 7x+1) + (5x squared-x-8)

Can you tell me how to solve and not just the answer?

Answer 1

But how do i find it? i dont just want the answer..

Answer 2

Alright to do these, you have to be familiar with the concept of FOIL. Do you know it?

Answer 3

OHHHHHH First Outside Inside Last! thank you sooo much Calcmathlete!

Answer 4

lol np :)

Answer 5

Add me i could use your help A LOT

Answer 6

Oh wait nevermind...that's for something else.

Answer 7

or become a fan or whatever haha

Answer 8

ohh dangit!

Answer 9

To do this, you have to combine like terms.

Answer 10

okay so how do i start?

Answer 11

2x square and 5x squared

Answer 12

\[(2x^2 - 7x + 1) + (5x^2 - x - 8)\]Just take away the parentheses here because there is no purpose for them here.

Answer 13

okay thanks. so then i subtract 2x square from both sides?

Answer 14

No. They're on the same side. You're familiar with the concept of like terms right?

Answer 15

kind of.. haha its been a while.

Answer 16

ohhh like the x's with each other right?

Answer 17

waitttt.... 2x squared+5x squared!

Answer 18

Yes.
\[2x^2 + 5x^2 - 7x - x + 1 - 8 \implies 7x^2 - 8x - 7\]See?

Answer 19

ohhhhh! okay thanks so much! i have a giant math packet so ill message you cause ill probably need more help! haha thanks!

Answer 20

Alright. Also, if you were to have:
\[(2x^2 + 2x + 2) - (3x^2 + 3x + 3)\]THe only thing that would change is that the negative would be distributed.
\[2x^2 + 2x + 2 - 3x^2 - 3x - 3\]

Answer 21

okay because the -( is like -1( right?

Answer 22

Yes.

Answer 23

You are thee best. Thank you!

Answer 24

lol thanks :)

Answer 25

Now how do i combine like terms if they all have different exponents?

Answer 26

If they have different exponents, they aren't like terms, so you can't add or subtract them.

Answer 27

well it said to simplify.(2x^3)(4x^2)+(3x^4)(2x)=

Answer 28

you cant, can you?

Answer 29

Oh. First you have to multiply it.

Answer 30

so it would be (8x)(16x) for the first two?

Answer 31

FIrst:
\[(2x^3)(4x^2) + (3x^4)(2x) \implies 8x^5 + 6x^5 \implies 14x^5\]

Answer 32

Do you see how I multiplied before I added?

Answer 33

ohhhh! so you multiply the numbers and then add the exponents together?

Answer 34

But why isnt it 14x^10?

Answer 35

Remember this law of exponents?
\[a^b \times a^c = a^{b + c}\]

Answer 36

lol no....

Answer 37

i went from algebra 1 to geometry and now im going to algebra 2... so i dont remember that much from algebra 1!

Answer 38

If two numbers have the smae base and are being multiplied, then the exponents are added.

Answer 39

and "x" was the base?

Answer 40

Yes.

Answer 41

im still confused why when you get 8x^5+6x^5 that it isnt 14x^10?

Answer 42

Remember. You're adding like terms. When you add like terms, the exponents don't change, but the coefficients are added instead.

Answer 43

Alright haha thanks again.

Answer 44

np :) I gotta go now, so sorry that I can't help you anymore...

Answer 45

okay thats fine! see ya