How to subtract trinomials

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ACT Math › How to subtract trinomials

Questions 1 - 5
1

Choose the answer which best simplifies the following expression:

Explanation

To simplify, remove parentheses and combine like terms:

2

A hockey team has 12 forwards, 6 defensemen, and 2 goalies. When they place 3 forwards, 2 defensemen, and 1 goalie on the ice, how many of each type are on the bench, (not on the ice)? F=Forward, D = Defensemen, G= Goalie

15 F, 8 D, 3 G

36 F, 12 D, 2 G

4 F, 3 D, 2 G

9 F, 4 D, 1 G

6 F, 2 D, 1 G

Explanation

We can represent this as a subtraction of trinomials.

(12F + 6D + 2G) – (3F + 2D + 1G) = 9F + 4D + 1G.

3

You go to the grocery store and pick up apples, peaches, and oranges. Today you had some friends over who ate apples, peaches, and oranges. Which of the following represents how many of each you now have left if = apples, = peaches, and = oranges?

Explanation

1. Represent the situation with two sets of trinomials:

Before your friends ate the fruit:

The fruit your friends ate:

2. Subtract the first trinomial from the second trinomial:

4

Choose the answer which best simplifies the following expression:

Explanation

To simplify, remove parentheses and combine like terms:

5

Choose the answer which best simplifies the following expression:

Explanation

To solve this expression, merely remove the parentheses (bearing in mind that because the second trinomial is being subtracted, it will be negative) and combine like terms:

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