SOLUTION: Hello, I need some help. I keep trying the following problem and am not sure what I am doing wrong. I am not sure if I am changing the signs in the right places. The problem and

Algebra ->  Expressions-with-variables -> SOLUTION: Hello, I need some help. I keep trying the following problem and am not sure what I am doing wrong. I am not sure if I am changing the signs in the right places. The problem and      Log On


   

Question 200374: Hello,
I need some help. I keep trying the following problem and am not sure what I am doing wrong. I am not sure if I am changing the signs in the right places. The problem and what I have so far are as follows:
Perform the indicated operations:
(x^2 - 4x + 1) - (-8x^2 + 2x - 6) - (x^2 + 3x + 3/5)
x^2 - 8x^2 - x^2 - 4x + 2x + 3x + 1 - 6 + 3/5
Can you please help. Thank you in advance.
Answer by nerdybill(7384) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
(x^2 - 4x + 1) - (-8x^2 + 2x - 6) - (x^2 + 3x + 3/5)
x^2 - 8x^2 - x^2 - 4x + 2x + 3x + 1 - 6 + 3/5 (Error!!)
.
You MUST distribute the negative sign to ALL terms within the ():
(x^2 - 4x + 1) - (-8x^2 + 2x - 6) - (x^2 + 3x + 3/5)
Distributing negative to terms in second ():
(x^2 - 4x + 1) + 8x^2 - 2x + 6 - (x^2 + 3x + 3/5)
Distributing negative to terms in last ():
(x^2 - 4x + 1) + 8x^2 - 2x + 6 - x^2 - 3x - 3/5
x^2 - 4x + 1 + 8x^2 - 2x + 6 - x^2 - 3x - 3/5
Grouping terms:
x^2 + 8x^2 - x^2 - 4x - 2x - 3x + 1 + 6 - 3/5
8x^2 - 9x + 1 + 6 - 3/5
8x^2 - 9x + 5/5 + 30/5 - 3/5
8x^2 - 9x + 35/5 - 3/5
8x^2 - 9x + 32/5