Question which-

2.4 Equivalent Expressions - Simplifying polynomials
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Which of the following is equivalent to 2 times, open parenthesis, x squared minus x, close parenthesis, plus 3 times, open parenthesis, x squared minus x, close parenthesis ?

A.

5 x squared, minus 5 x

B.

5 x squared, plus 5 x

C.

5x

D.

5x2

Which of the following is equivalent to ?

Medium-difficulty · SAT Math · Equivalent Expressions — Simplifying polynomials. Read the question above, select your answer, and check the full explanation below to understand exactly why the correct choice works.

Answer explanation

Choice A is correct. Since open parenthesis, x squared, minus x, close parenthesis is a common term in the original expression, like terms can be added: 2 times, open parenthesis, x squared, minus x, close parenthesis, plus, 3 times, open parenthesis, x squared, minus x, close parenthesis, equals, 5 times, open parenthesis, x squared, minus x, close parenthesis. Distributing the constant term 5 yields 5 x squared, minus 5 x.

Choice B is incorrect and may result from not distributing the negative signs in the expressions within the parentheses. Choice C is incorrect and may result from not distributing the negative signs in the expressions within the parentheses and from incorrectly eliminating the x squared-term. Choice D is incorrect and may result from incorrectly eliminating the x-term.