How do you combine like terms in (- 11- 10a ^ { 2} - 7a ^ { 4} ) + ( 2a ^ { 2} + 2+ 14a ^ { 4} )?

1 Answer
Jun 14, 2017

7a^4-8a^2-9

Explanation:

Terms can only be combined if they have the same exponential power. LIKE TERMS = terms with the same exponent and variable

Your terms of (-11-10a^2-7a^4)+(2a^2+2+14a^14):
-11; -10a^2; -7a^4; 2a^2; 2; 14a^4

Notice how -10a^2 and 2a^2 are both squared (exponent is 2). Combine the two terms by adding the coefficients.
-10a^2+2a^2=-8a^2

Do the same for the other terms:
-7a^4+14a^4=7a^4 [Both raised to the 4th power.]
-11+2=-9 [Both raised to the 1st power.]

Combine all the "new terms" together into an expression because you cannot simplify anymore. Make sure to order the terms from highest power to lowest power in your final expression.
-8a^2; 7a^4; -9

7a^4-8a^2-9 is your final answer!