x + x2 + 2x2 - 3x Put a 1 before each of the first two terms to show their understood coefficient: 1x + 1x2 + 2x2 - 3x The two red terms are like terms. The two blue terms are like terms. Combine the two red terms 1x - 3x = -2x Combine the two blue terms + 1x2 + 2x2 = 3x2 Answer: -2x + 3x2 If you want it in descending order, then reverse the terms: + 3x2 - 2x Now you can eliminate the + in front: 3x2 - 2x Edwin