(2x^3 − 12x^2 + 5x − 3) − (7x^3 + 10x^2 − 3x + 20)

Question

What is the first step in simplifying this difference?
A) Combine like terms.
B) Distribute the negative to the second set of parentheses.
C) Make the parenthesis one term.
D) Put the expression in descending order.
E) Distribute the negative to every term in the first and second set of parenthesis.

Answer 1

The correct first step in simplifying the expression \( (2x^3 − 12x^2 + 5x − 3) − (7x^3 + 10x^2 − 3x + 20) \) is:

B) Distribute the negative to the second set of parentheses.

This step involves changing the signs of the terms in the second parentheses for correct subtraction, which can then allow you to combine like terms effectively.