The Polynomial to Simplify

Oct 13, 2025 by pinkandtrash.com 7 views

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Understanding the Problem

When simplifying polynomials, it's essential to follow the correct order of operations to ensure that the resulting expression is accurate. In this article, we'll explore the process of simplifying a given polynomial and determine which statements are true about the result.

The Polynomial to Simplify

The given polynomial is:

$t^3(8+9t) - (t^2+4)(t^2-3t)$

Step 1: Distribute the Terms

To simplify the polynomial, we need to distribute the terms inside the parentheses. This involves multiplying each term inside the parentheses by the term outside the parentheses.

$t^3(8+9t) = 8t^3 + 9t^4$

$(t^2+4)(t^2-3t) = t^4 - 3t^3 + 4t^2 - 12t$

Step 2: Combine Like Terms

Now that we have distributed the terms, we can combine like terms to simplify the expression further.

$8t^3 + 9t^4 - (t^4 - 3t^3 + 4t^2 - 12t)$

Combine like terms:

$9t^4 - t^4 = 8t^4$

$8t^3 + 3t^3 = 11t^3$

$-4t^2$

$-12t$

Step 3: Simplify the Expression

After combining like terms, we can simplify the expression by writing it in standard form.

$8t^4 + 11t^3 - 4t^2 - 12t$

Evaluating the Statements

Now that we have simplified the polynomial, let's evaluate the given statements.

A. The simplified expression has a constant term.

The simplified expression is $8t^4 + 11t^3 - 4t^2 - 12t$ . Since there is no term with a degree of 0, the expression does not have a constant term. Therefore, statement A is false.

B. The simplified expression has four terms.

The simplified expression has four terms: $8t^4$ , $11t^3$ , $-4t^2$ , and $-12t$ . Therefore, statement B is true.

C. The simplified expression has a term with a degree of 3.

The simplified expression is $8t^4 + 11t^3 - 4t^2 - 12t$ . Since there is a term with a degree of 3, statement C is true.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the simplified expression has four terms and a term with a degree of 3. Therefore, statements B and C are true, while statement A is false.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the correct order of operations when simplifying polynomials?

A: The correct order of operations is to distribute the terms inside the parentheses, combine like terms, and then simplify the expression.

Q: How do I determine if a term is a like term?

A: To determine if a term is a like term, compare the degree of the term with the degree of the other terms in the expression. If the degrees are the same, the terms are like terms.

Q: What is the standard form of a polynomial?

A: The standard form of a polynomial is to write the terms in descending order of degree, with the term with the highest degree first.

Final Thoughts

Simplifying polynomials can be a challenging task, but by following the correct order of operations and combining like terms, we can simplify even the most complex expressions. Remember to evaluate the statements carefully and use the correct order of operations to ensure that the resulting expression is accurate.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between a polynomial and an expression?

A: A polynomial is an expression that consists of variables and coefficients combined using only addition, subtraction, and multiplication. An expression, on the other hand, can be any combination of variables, coefficients, and operations.

Q: How do I simplify a polynomial with multiple variables?

A: To simplify a polynomial with multiple variables, follow the same steps as simplifying a polynomial with one variable. Distribute the terms inside the parentheses, combine like terms, and then simplify the expression.

Q: What is the degree of a polynomial?

A: The degree of a polynomial is the highest degree of any term in the polynomial. For example, in the polynomial $2x^3 + 3x^2 - 4x + 1$ , the degree is 3.

Q: How do I determine if a polynomial is a quadratic expression?

A: A quadratic expression is a polynomial of degree 2. To determine if a polynomial is a quadratic expression, look for the term with the highest degree. If the degree is 2, the polynomial is a quadratic expression.

Q: What is the standard form of a polynomial?

A: The standard form of a polynomial is to write the terms in descending order of degree, with the term with the highest degree first.

Q: How do I simplify a polynomial with a negative coefficient?

A: To simplify a polynomial with a negative coefficient, follow the same steps as simplifying a polynomial with a positive coefficient. Distribute the terms inside the parentheses, combine like terms, and then simplify the expression.

Q: What is the difference between a polynomial and an algebraic expression?

A: A polynomial is a specific type of algebraic expression that consists of variables and coefficients combined using only addition, subtraction, and multiplication. An algebraic expression, on the other hand, can be any combination of variables, coefficients, and operations.

Q: How do I simplify a polynomial with a fraction coefficient?

A: To simplify a polynomial with a fraction coefficient, follow the same steps as simplifying a polynomial with a whole number coefficient. Distribute the terms inside the parentheses, combine like terms, and then simplify the expression.

Q: What is the degree of a polynomial with a variable in the denominator?

A: The degree of a polynomial with a variable in the denominator is the highest degree of any term in the polynomial, excluding the variable in the denominator.

Q: How do I simplify a polynomial with a negative exponent?

A: To simplify a polynomial with a negative exponent, follow the same steps as simplifying a polynomial with a positive exponent. Distribute the terms inside the parentheses, combine like terms, and then simplify the expression.

Advanced Topics

Q: What is the difference between a polynomial and a rational expression?

A: A polynomial is an expression that consists of variables and coefficients combined using only addition, subtraction, and multiplication. A rational expression, on the other hand, is an expression that consists of a fraction of polynomials.

Q: How do I simplify a polynomial with a rational coefficient?

A: To simplify a polynomial with a rational coefficient, follow the same steps as simplifying a polynomial with a whole number coefficient. Distribute the terms inside the parentheses, combine like terms, and then simplify the expression.

Q: What is the degree of a polynomial with a rational coefficient?

A: The degree of a polynomial with a rational coefficient is the highest degree of any term in the polynomial, excluding the rational coefficient.

Conclusion

Final Thoughts

Polynomials are an essential part of algebra, and simplifying them is a crucial skill to master. By understanding the concepts and techniques presented in this article, you will be able to simplify polynomials with ease and confidence.