Algebra homework. Please help!!?

Question

I need help on this problem. ^ means that it has a number raised to a power.

( 8a^3 - 4a + 2) - ( 3a^3 - 7a^2 + a)

I don't want you to solve it, but help me through the problem so I can do the rest of the problems. Thanks :)

Answer 1

hi,

firtsly you must open the parentheses,

8a^3-4a+2-3a^3+7a^2-a couse we have multiplied -1 by on the right equation,

5a^3+7a^2-5a+2

ok?

Answer 2

Just set it up like regular subtraction. you just have to make sure to only subtract like terms (when you set it up, put the (a^3's over other a^3's etc.) if you the same term isn't in both equations, just fill with 0's.  keep in mind that subtracting a negative is really adding a positive.

(in columns)

     8a^3 +   0   - 4a + 2      

  -  3a^3 - 7a^2 + a  + 0

_____________________

good luck ;)

Answer 3

( 8a^3 - 4a + 2) - ( 3a^3 - 7a^2 + a)

distribute:

8a^3 - 4a + 2 - 3a^3 + 7a^2 - a

5a^3 + 7a^2 - 5a + 2