When #a^2+a-3# is subtracted from #3a^2-5#, what is the result?

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Answer 1 · 2017-07-28T03:49:57

See a solution process below:

We can write this problem in algebraic form as:

#(3a^2 - 5) - (a^2 + a - 3)#

First, remove all of the terms from parenthesis. Be careful to handle the signs of each individual term correctly:

#3a^2 - 5 - a^2 - a + 3#

Next, group like terms:

#3a^2 - a^2 - a - 5 + 3#

Now, combine like terms:

#3a^2 - 1a^2 - a - 5 + 3#

#(3 - 1)a^2 - a + (-5 + 3)#

#2a^2 - a + (-2)#

#2a^2 - a - 2#