Question

I really don't understand these questions. Read, and keep rereading and just not getting it. Please help !!!

Collect like terms

2x – 5x

2x2 + 8x2

x – 5x

16x3 – 12x3

Answer 1

(2-5)x = -3x

Do you see what I did there? I basically subtracted the two numbers and then just multiplied it by x. That's what you're doing here.

Answer 2

Same thing with the 3\(^{rd}\) one.
(1-5)x = -4x

now, you do the other two.

Answer 3

Oh ok.. Now I understand.. Thank you very much, made it alot easier !

Answer 4

This uses the distributive property: $$\Huge ba - ca = (b-c)a$$ $$\Huge 2x - 5x = (2-5)x$$ for a=x , b=2 , c=5