Question

Simplify.

(5x³ - 2x² + 4x) - (7x² - 3x + 1)
A. 5x³ - 9x² + 7x - 1
B. 5x³ - 9x² + x + 1
C. 5x³ + 5x² + x + 1
D. 5x³ - 5x² - 7x + 1

Answer 1

First, distribute the negative in the second set and it becomes

\[5x^3-2x^2+4x - 7x^2+3x-1\]

You can only combine like terms. So, that means the exponents have to be the same.

Answer 2

Group the terms that have the same exponents like so:
\[5x^3-2x^2-7x^2+4x+3x-1\]
Now start combining

You should get:

\[5x^3-9x^2+7x-1\]

Answer 3

You're correct. :)