Question

subtract:

(3a^3-7a^2+a)-(6a^3-4a^2-8)

Answer 1

You just combine like terms:

-3a^3-3a^2+a+8

If you want me to do it step-by-step I'd be happy to =D

Answer 2

that would really help.:)

Answer 3

The like terms are the terms that have the same "a" in them. a^2 and a^3 are not compatible. After you've spotted all the like terms, you add/subtract them separately, then bring it all together at the end:

(3a^3-7a^2+a)-(6a^3-4a^2-8)
3a^3-7a^2+a-6a^3+4a^2+8

Rearranged to pair the like terms together, we have:

(3a^3-6a^3)+(-7a^2+4a^2)+a+8

Poor old a and 8 have no partners, so we leave them alone. After doing the math, you end up with:

-3a^3-3a^2+a+8

Just make sure you distribute that negative sign in the beginning of the problem! After that then it is just simple pairing and adding/subtracting. Hope that helps!