Question

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

Answer 1

`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!