College

Which of the following expressions is equivalent to [tex]-4x^3 - 12x^3 + 9x^2[/tex]?

A. [tex]x^8[/tex]
B. [tex]-7x^8[/tex]
C. [tex]-8x^3 + 9x^2[/tex]
D. [tex]-16x^3 + 9x^2[/tex]
E. [tex]-16x^6 + 9x^2[/tex]

Answer :

To simplify the expression [tex]\(-4 x^3 - 12 x^3 + 9 x^2\)[/tex], follow these steps:

1. Identify like terms:
- We have two terms involving [tex]\(x^3\)[/tex] which are [tex]\(-4 x^3\)[/tex] and [tex]\(-12 x^3\)[/tex].
- We have one term involving [tex]\(x^2\)[/tex] which is [tex]\(9 x^2\)[/tex].

2. Combine like terms:
- For the [tex]\(x^3\)[/tex] terms: [tex]\(-4 x^3 - 12 x^3 = -16 x^3\)[/tex].
- The [tex]\(x^2\)[/tex] term [tex]\(9 x^2\)[/tex] remains as it is because there are no other [tex]\(x^2\)[/tex] terms to combine with.

3. Write the final simplified expression:
- Combining the results, the expression simplifies to [tex]\(-16 x^3 + 9 x^2\)[/tex].

Therefore, the correct equivalent expression is [tex]\(J. -16 x^3 + 9 x^2\)[/tex].