Algebra

(X^2+3)-(y+6) =

Step-by-step solution with explanation

Final Answer

Step-by-step solution

1

Identify what we are simplifying

This is a subtraction of two groups of terms. We need to distribute the minus sign to everything inside the second set of parentheses.
2

Distribute the minus sign

The minus sign in front of flips the sign of every term inside. So and replace and .
3

Combine like terms

The only like terms are the constants: . The variables and cannot be combined with anything else.

Understanding this problem

Learning Insight

When you subtract a group of terms in parentheses, you are really multiplying each term inside by . This is the distributive property at work. The expression cannot be solved for a single value because it has two variables — it simplifies to a new expression, not a number.

Quick Tip

Think of the minus sign as a multiplied by the whole parenthesis. Flip every sign inside, then look for like terms to combine.

Common Mistake

Students often only flip the sign of the first term inside the parentheses, writing instead of . Every term inside must get its sign flipped.