Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Distributive Property
The distributive property states that a(b + c) = ab + ac. This property is essential for simplifying expressions where a term is multiplied by a sum or difference. In the given expression, applying the distributive property to 6(x² - 2) allows us to eliminate the parentheses and combine like terms effectively.
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Combining Like Terms
Combining like terms involves adding or subtracting terms that have the same variable raised to the same power. This process simplifies algebraic expressions by consolidating terms, making it easier to work with. In the expression provided, after distributing and simplifying, identifying and combining like terms is crucial for arriving at the final simplified form.
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Order of Operations
The order of operations is a set of rules that dictates the sequence in which mathematical operations should be performed to ensure consistent results. The acronym PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, Addition and Subtraction) helps remember this order. In simplifying the expression, following these rules is vital to correctly evaluate and simplify each part of the expression step by step.
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