How do you simplify #(-5x^4 + X^2) - (x^3 + 8x^2 - x)#?

1 Answer
Jun 28, 2015

Distribute the #-1# to the term in the second set of parentheses. Group like terms in descending order and add.

Explanation:

Distribute the #-1# to the term in the second set of parentheses.

#(-5x^4+x^2)-(x^3+8x^2-x)# =

#-5x^4+x^2-x^3-8x^2+x#

Group like terms in descending order and add.

#-5x^4-x^3+(x^2-8x^2)+x# =

#-5x^4-x^3-7x^2+x#