Question

How do you write `(6x^3 − 8x − 5) + (3x^3 + 6x + 2)` in standard form?

Answer 1

`9x^3-2x-3`

Explanation:

Don't forget to get the signs right.
If the sign before the second bracket was a minus then you would have to multiply through by -1.
( i.e. everything in the second brackets would change sign when the brackets are removed)
(+- makes -, -+ makes -, ++ makes +, -- makes +)

Group all terms of the same type together
(`x^3` can only be added to `x^3` etc.)
Note: this is not the same if multipying (e.g.`6x^3*3x^2 = 18x^5`)

Start with unknowns of highest power, end with constants:

`6x^3+3x^3-8x+6x-5+2`

Simplify:

`9x^3-2x-3`