Simplifying the Difference

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 110 views

Introduction

In algebra, simplifying expressions is a crucial skill that helps us solve equations and inequalities. One common operation is subtracting one polynomial from another. In this article, we will focus on simplifying the difference between two given polynomials. We will use the example $\left(3 w^2 - 5 w - 6\right) - \left(6 w^2 + 4 w - 2\right)$ to demonstrate the step-by-step process.

Understanding Polynomials

Before we dive into simplifying the difference, let's quickly review what polynomials are. A polynomial is an expression consisting of variables and coefficients combined using only addition, subtraction, and multiplication. The variables in a polynomial are often represented by letters such as $w$ , $x$ , or $y$ . The coefficients are the numbers that multiply the variables.

Simplifying the Difference

To simplify the difference between two polynomials, we need to follow the order of operations (PEMDAS):

Parentheses: Evaluate expressions inside parentheses first.
Exponents: Evaluate any exponential expressions next.
Multiplication and Division: Evaluate any multiplication and division operations from left to right.
Addition and Subtraction: Finally, evaluate any addition and subtraction operations from left to right.

Now, let's apply these steps to the given expression:

$\left(3 w^2 - 5 w - 6\right) - \left(6 w^2 + 4 w - 2\right)$

Step 1: Distribute the Negative Sign

When subtracting one polynomial from another, we need to distribute the negative sign to each term inside the second polynomial. This means we change the sign of each term inside the second polynomial:

$3 w^2 - 5 w - 6 - 6 w^2 - 4 w + 2$

Step 2: Combine Like Terms

Now, we can combine like terms by adding or subtracting the coefficients of the same variables:

$3 w^2 - 6 w^2 - 5 w - 4 w - 6 + 2$

Combine the like terms:

$-3 w^2 - 9 w - 4$

Conclusion

In conclusion, simplifying the difference between two polynomials involves following the order of operations and distributing the negative sign to each term inside the second polynomial. By combining like terms, we can simplify the expression and arrive at the final answer.

Answer

The final answer is $\boxed{-3 w^2 - 9 w - 4}$ .

Comparison with Options

Let's compare our final answer with the given options:

A. $9 w^2 + 9 w + 4$ B. $-3 w^2 - 1 w - 8$ C. $9 w^2 - 1 w - 8$ D. $-3 w^2 - 9 w - 4$

Our final answer matches option D.

Tips and Tricks

When simplifying the difference between two polynomials, remember to:

Distribute the negative sign to each term inside the second polynomial.
Combine like terms by adding or subtracting the coefficients of the same variables.
Follow the order of operations (PEMDAS).

By following these steps and tips, you can simplify the difference between two polynomials with ease.

Practice Problems

Try simplifying the difference between the following polynomials:

$\left(2 x^2 + 3 x - 1\right) - \left(x^2 - 2 x + 3\right)$
$\left(4 y^2 - 2 y + 1\right) - \left(2 y^2 + 3 y - 2\right)$

Use the steps and tips outlined in this article to simplify the expressions and arrive at the final answers.