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 solve the problem, let's simplify the given expression step-by-step:

The expression we start with is:
[tex]\[ -4x^3 - 12x^3 + 9x^2 \][/tex]

1. Combine Like Terms:
- Notice that [tex]\(-4x^3\)[/tex] and [tex]\(-12x^3\)[/tex] are like terms because they both contain [tex]\(x^3\)[/tex].
- To combine these, add their coefficients: [tex]\(-4 + (-12) = -16\)[/tex].
- So, [tex]\(-4x^3 - 12x^3 = -16x^3\)[/tex].

2. Write the Simplified Expression:
- Now, put the combined term and the [tex]\(9x^2\)[/tex] together:
[tex]\[ -16x^3 + 9x^2 \][/tex]

From the choices given, the expression [tex]\(-16x^3 + 9x^2\)[/tex] matches the third option: [tex]\(-16 x^3 + 9 x^2\)[/tex].

So, the expression equivalent to [tex]\(-4x^3 - 12x^3 + 9x^2\)[/tex] is [tex]\(-16x^3 + 9x^2\)[/tex].