Simplify (-x²)-(-4⁴/₅x²): Subtracting Negative Square Terms

Polynomial Subtraction with Mixed Number Coefficients

(x2)(445x2)= (-x^2)-(-4\frac{4}{5}x^2)=

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Step-by-step video solution

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00:00 Simply
00:02 A negative times a negative always equals a positive
00:06 Grouping terms
00:09 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

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1

Understand the problem

(x2)(445x2)= (-x^2)-(-4\frac{4}{5}x^2)=

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Investigate the given expression: (x2)(445x2) (-x^2)-(-4\frac{4}{5}x^2) .
  • Step 2: Convert the subtraction of negatives to addition: x2+445x2 -x^2 + 4\frac{4}{5}x^2 .
  • Step 3: Combine like terms: the terms share the common factor x2 x^2 .
  • Step 4: Simplify the coefficients: The expression becomes (4451)x2 (4\frac{4}{5} - 1)x^2 .
  • Step 5: Simplify the numerical operation: transforming 445 4\frac{4}{5} to 245 \frac{24}{5} , we get (2451)x2=(24555)x2 ( \frac{24}{5} - 1)x^2 = ( \frac{24}{5} - \frac{5}{5} )x^2 .
  • Step 6: Continue simplifying: (195)x2 ( \frac{19}{5} )x^2 , equivalent to 345x2 3\frac{4}{5}x^2 .

Now, let's execute these steps with detailed explanations:

Step 1: The expression involves subtracting 445x2 -4\frac{4}{5}x^2 from x2 -x^2 . Initially, handle the signs carefully by recognizing that subtracting a negative is equivalent to adding the positive.

Step 2: Transform the expression as follows: (x2)(445x2)x2+445x2 (-x^2)-(-4\frac{4}{5}x^2) \Rightarrow -x^2 + 4\frac{4}{5}x^2 .

Step 3: Here, both terms x2 -x^2 and 445x2 4\frac{4}{5}x^2 involve x2 x^2 . Write them as combined like terms.

Step 4: The coefficients are 1 -1 and 445 4\frac{4}{5} . Combine them: 1+445=345 -1 + 4\frac{4}{5} = 3\frac{4}{5} .

Step 5: This simplifies the expression to 345x2 3\frac{4}{5}x^2 , shown through straightforward arithmetic with like terms.

Therefore, the simplified expression is 345x2 \boxed{3\frac{4}{5}x^2} , matching the correct answer choice.

3

Final Answer

345x2 3\frac{4}{5}x^2

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Sign Rule: Subtracting a negative equals adding the positive
  • Technique: Convert 445 4\frac{4}{5} to 245 \frac{24}{5} for easier calculation
  • Check: Verify coefficients combine correctly: -1 + 245 \frac{24}{5} = 195 \frac{19}{5}

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Forgetting to change subtraction to addition when removing parentheses
    Don't leave the expression as x2445x2 -x^2 - 4\frac{4}{5}x^2 = 545x2 -5\frac{4}{5}x^2 ! This ignores the double negative rule and gives the wrong sign. Always remember that subtracting a negative means adding the positive: (445x2)=+445x2 -(-4\frac{4}{5}x^2) = +4\frac{4}{5}x^2 .

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

a is negative number.

b is negative number.

What is the sum of a+b?

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why does subtracting a negative become addition?

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Think of it as removing a debt! If you subtract a negative amount (like removing a -5debt),youreactually<em>gaining</em>5 debt), you're actually <em>gaining</em> 5. So (445x2) -(-4\frac{4}{5}x^2) becomes +445x2 +4\frac{4}{5}x^2 .

How do I work with mixed numbers in algebra?

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Convert mixed numbers to improper fractions first! For example, 445=4×5+45=245 4\frac{4}{5} = \frac{4 \times 5 + 4}{5} = \frac{24}{5} . This makes adding and subtracting much easier.

What if I get confused with all the negative signs?

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Write out each step carefully! Start with (x2)(445x2) (-x^2) - (-4\frac{4}{5}x^2) , then change to x2+445x2 -x^2 + 4\frac{4}{5}x^2 . Take your time with sign changes.

How do I combine the coefficients -1 and 4⁴⁄₅?

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Convert everything to fractions: 1=55 -1 = -\frac{5}{5} and 445=245 4\frac{4}{5} = \frac{24}{5} . Then add: 55+245=195=345 -\frac{5}{5} + \frac{24}{5} = \frac{19}{5} = 3\frac{4}{5} .

Should my final answer be an improper fraction or mixed number?

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Either form is mathematically correct! However, if the answer choices show mixed numbers (like 345x2 3\frac{4}{5}x^2 ), convert your improper fraction to match that format.

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