SOLUTION: Simplify the polynomials by combining like terms. 1/6x^2 - 1/2x^3 + x^2 - 1/4x^3 + 17 Simplify your answer. Use integers or fractions for an

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: Simplify the polynomials by combining like terms. 1/6x^2 - 1/2x^3 + x^2 - 1/4x^3 + 17 Simplify your answer. Use integers or fractions for an      Log On


   

Question 185535: Simplify the polynomials by combining like terms.

1/6x^2 - 1/2x^3 + x^2 - 1/4x^3 + 17


Simplify your answer. Use integers or fractions for any numbers in the expression.
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
%281%2F6%29x%5E2-%281%2F2%29x%5E3%2Bx%5E2-%281%2F4%29x%5E3%2B17 Start with the given expression.


%28-%281%2F2%29x%5E3-%281%2F4%29x%5E3%29%2B%28%281%2F6%29x%5E2%2Bx%5E2%29%2B17 Rearrange and group like terms (ie the terms that have the same exponent)


%28-%282%2F4%29x%5E3-%281%2F4%29x%5E3%29%2B%28%281%2F6%29x%5E2%2Bx%5E2%29%2B17 Multiply -1%2F2 (the coefficient of the first term) by 2%2F2


%28-%282%2F4%29x%5E3-%281%2F4%29x%5E3%29%2B%28%281%2F6%29x%5E2%2B%286%2F6%29x%5E2%29%2B17 Multiply 1 (the coefficient of the fourth term) by 6%2F6


-%283%2F4%29x%5E3%2B%287%2F6%29x%5E2%2B17 Combine like terms by combining the fractional coefficients.



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Answer:



So %281%2F6%29x%5E2-%281%2F2%29x%5E3%2Bx%5E2-%281%2F4%29x%5E3%2B17 simplifies to -%283%2F4%29x%5E3%2B%287%2F6%29x%5E2%2B17


In other words,