Question

Can someone please simplify this with steps?
(a² + 4a²) + (a³ - 5a² + 7a)

Answer 1

only terms with the same exponent can be combined
so x + x = 2x
using this knowledge
a^2 + 4a^2 = 5a^2
moving on to the next group none have the same exponent so they are fine, but you still have the 5a^2 from the first group of parentheses

5a^2+ a^3 - 5a^2+7a

5a^2 - 5a^2 = 0
so final answer is
a^3 + 7a

Answer 2

*also when adding those with the same exponent you add the coefficients.
so 1x + 1x = 2x because 1 + 1 = 2
as with the a^2 terms
1a^2 + 4a^2 = 5a^2 because 1 + 4 = 5

Answer 3

Thanks a bunch!