SSAT Math Question 400: Answer and Explanation
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Question: 400
11. Combine and simplify:
(6x5 – 2x3 + 8) – (4x5 – x4 + 3x2 + 12)
- A. 2x5 – x4 – x3 + 20
- B. 2x5 – x4 + x3 – 4
- C. 2x5 + x4 – 2x3 + 3x2 – 4
- D. 2x5 + x4 – 5x3 + 20
Correct Answer: E
Explanation:
E
The only like terms involve the fifth-degree exponent and the numbers without variables: 6x5 – 4x5 = 2x5, and 8 – 12 = 4. For the remaining elements, be careful about signs: distribute the negative sign to obtain x4, –2x3 remains as is, and distribute the negative sign to obtain –3x2. Put the elements in descending order of power: 2x5 + x4 – 2x3 – 3x2 – 4.