How do you combine like terms in #(3p ^ { 2} - 6p - 9) + ( - p ^ { 2} - 7p + 3)#?

1 Answer
Feb 24, 2017

See the entire solution process below:

Explanation:

First, remove all terms from parenthesis. Pay special attention to ensure the signs for all individual terms are handled correctly:

#3color(red)(p^2) - 6color(blue)(p) - 9 - color(red)(p^2) - 7color(blue)(p) + 3#

Next, group like terms:

#3color(red)(p^2) - color(red)(p^2) - 6color(blue)(p) - 7color(blue)(p) - 9 + 3#

Now, combine like terms:

#(3 - 1)color(red)(p^2) + (-6 - 7)color(blue)(p) - 6#

#2color(red)(p^2) - 13color(blue)(p) - 6#