Question

Summarize the important steps necessary when simplifying polynomials.

Answer 1

The important steps when simplifying polynomials include combining like terms, using the distributive property, removing parentheses, simplifying fractions, and checking for further simplification.

Step-by-step explanation:

1. Combine like terms by adding or subtracting them.
2. Use the distributive property to simplify expressions.
3. Remove parentheses by applying the distributive property.
4. If there are any fractions, simplify them by finding a common denominator and adding or subtracting them.
5. Check if there are any like terms that can be combined further.

Example:

Simplify the polynomial expression: 3x^2 + 4y + 2x^2 - 3y + 5x - 2.

Solution:

1. Combine like terms: (3x^2 + 2x^2) + (4y - 3y) + 5x - 2.
2. Simplify each set of parentheses: 5x^2 + x - 2.

Answer: The simplified polynomial expression is 5x^2 + x - 2.