Final answer:
To simplify the given expression, combine the like terms: quadratic terms (0.5x² and 1.1x²) to get 1.6x², and constant terms (-4.5 and -4) to get -8.5. The linear term, 3.2x, remains unchanged. The simplified expression is 1.6x² + 3.2x - 8.5.
Step-by-step explanation:
To simplify the expression by combining like terms, we look for terms in the expression that have the same variable raised to the same power. In the given expression 0.5x² - 4.5 + 3.2x + 1.1x² - 4, we have two quadratic terms (0.5x² and 1.1x²) and two constant terms (-4.5 and -4). To simplify, you combine the coefficients of the like terms.
The quadratic terms, 0.5x² and 1.1x², are combined to get 1.6x².
The constant terms, -4.5 and -4, are combined to get -8.5.
The linear term, 3.2x, has no like terms, so it stays as is.
The simplified expression is thus 1.6x² + 3.2x - 8.5.