College

Which expression is equivalent to [tex]$12x^3 - 5x^3$[/tex]?

A) [tex]$7x^6$[/tex]
B) [tex]$17x^3$[/tex]
C) [tex]$7x^3$[/tex]
D) [tex]$17x^6$[/tex]

Answer :

To solve the expression [tex]\(12x^3 - 5x^3\)[/tex], we need to combine like terms. Here's how you can do this step-by-step:

1. Identify the Like Terms:
Both terms [tex]\(12x^3\)[/tex] and [tex]\(5x^3\)[/tex] have the same variable part, [tex]\(x^3\)[/tex]. Therefore, they are like terms.

2. Combine the Coefficients:
Since the variable part is the same, you simply subtract the coefficients (numbers in front of the [tex]\(x^3\)[/tex]) from each other:
[tex]\[
12 - 5 = 7
\][/tex]

3. Rewrite the Expression:
Now attach the variable part [tex]\(x^3\)[/tex] to the result of the subtraction:
[tex]\[
7x^3
\][/tex]

Therefore, the expression [tex]\(12x^3 - 5x^3\)[/tex] simplifies to [tex]\(7x^3\)[/tex].

Among the given options, the correct answer is:

C) [tex]\(7x^3\)[/tex].