How do you find the sum or difference of #(5n-2p^2+2np)-(4p^2+4n)#?

1 Answer
May 16, 2017

#-6p^2 +n+2np#

Explanation:

Remove the brackets first. The minus sign in front of the second bracket will change all of its signs.

#(5n-2p^2+2np)-(4p^2+4n)#

#5n-2p^2+2np-4p^2-4n#

Now collect the like terms. You can re-arrange the expression to make this easier to see.

#color(blue)(-2p^2-4p^2) +color(red)(5n-4n) color(green)(+2np)#

#=color(blue)(-6p^2) +color(red)(n)color(green)(+2np)#

(You only add or subtract the coefficients, the variables stay the same.)