polymials subtraction

Question

4xyz-(2xy+3yz-7xyz+5xz-6xz+2xyz)+3xyz+y

Answer 1

Hi Craig,

The biggest thing to beware of on this problem is the minus sign just before the parentheses.  You MUST distribute that negative (think -1) to ALL terms inside of the parentheses.

 

It will become 4xyz-2xy-3yz+7xyz-5xz+6xz-2xyz+3xyz+y after distributing.

 

Then you must combine LIKE TERMS.  For example, 4xyz, 7xyz, and -2xyz are like terms.  Combined together, those three make 9xyz.

 

Combine any other like terms

 

Also, 3xyz can be combined with the other three I mentioned above, giving you 12xyz.