SOLUTION: Can you guys help me on this? please 1. When are we allowed to multiply two terms? 2. When are we allowed to combine like terms? 3. Explain why the following expressions are

Algebra ->  Distributive-associative-commutative-properties -> SOLUTION: Can you guys help me on this? please 1. When are we allowed to multiply two terms? 2. When are we allowed to combine like terms? 3. Explain why the following expressions are       Log On


   

Question 608163: Can you guys help me on this? please
1. When are we allowed to multiply two terms?
2. When are we allowed to combine like terms?
3. Explain why the following expressions are different. Compare: (x^2)(-2x^2) and x^2-2x^2
Answer by ReadingBoosters(3246) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
}}}(x^2)(-2x^2)}}} the adjoining parentheses means multiply
both coefficients and terms
%28x%5E2%29%28-2x%5E2%29+=+-2x%5E4
%285x%5E3%29%283x%5E2%29+=+15x%5E5
...
x%5E2+-+2x%5E2 is subtracting the coefficients of the like terms
1x%5E2+-+2x%5E2+=+-1x%5E2
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