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

1 Answer
mimi
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!

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