How to simplify an equation?

Question

I forgot how to simplify an equation :O

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

??

Answer 1

Hi,

For this question, we can remove the parentheses to get the following:

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

Now, notice that there are no similar terms which can be combined.  However, before we claim this as the final answer, let's organize this expression in order of highest --> to lowest degrees to get:

3a^8 + a^3 + a^2 - 8a - 7 <=== FINAL ANSWER

I hope that helps you out!  Please let me know if you have any other questions!

Answer 2

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

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

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