Simplifying polynomials?

Question

Can anyone help me here on this math problem:

Simplify, arranging terms in order of decreasing degree of x. Then write the degree of the polynomial:

18. 3x^2 − 6x^3 + 5x^4 −10x^2 − 8x^3 + 7

If you can, can you please show how you got the answer too. 10 points to the best answer

Answer 1

3x^2 − 6x^3 + 5x^4 −10x^2 − 8x^3 + 7

combine the x^3 coefficients and the x^2 coefficeints

5x^4 - 14x^3 - 7x^2 + 7

Degree = 4

Answer 2

First combine like terms, but put the term with the largest exponent first....

5x^4 - 14x^3 - 7x^2 + 7

Take care,

David

www.tutor-homework.com

Answer 3

Decreasing order means largest to smallest exponent on x, you simply combine coefficients of the terms with identical exponents

5x^4 -14x^3 -7x^2 +7

Degree is highest exponent (4)