Question

If i am simplifying an algebraic expression, do i still follow the order of operations?

I am doing this problem.

-12y^3z(8a - 2a)

Would the answer be -96y^3z + 24y^3za
Or would the answer be -72zy^3a

Answer 1

when you distribute, you should get this

-96y^3za + 24y^3za

Answer 2

notice how there's an 'a' in the first term

Answer 3

when you combine like terms, you get

-96y^3za + 24y^3za = -72y^3za

Answer 4

which is equivalent to -72zy^3a

Answer 5

So you don't follow the order of operations, you just combine both like terms after distributing?

Answer 6

you're technically not following the order of operations since you don't know what any of the variables are

but you can think of it like following PEMDAS in a way

in any event, both paths will lead you to the same answer of -72zy^3a or -72y^3za

Answer 7

Oh, you're right thank you very much.

Answer 8

you're welcome