Final answer:
The correct answer is option D) a³ - a² - 2a + 5. To perform the operation and arrange the answer in descending powers of 'a', we simplify the given expression by combining like terms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer is option D) a³ - a² - 2a + 5.
To perform the operation and arrange the answer in descending powers of 'a', we simplify the given expression by combining like terms. There is no operation indicated other than writing the expression themselves in descending powers of 'a'. The given expression is already written in descending powers of 'a' as it starts with the highest power of 'a' present, a³, followed by the lower power, -2a (which is actually a¹), and then the constant term 5. Starting with (a³ - 2a + 5), we have:
- a³ (no like terms to combine)
- -2a (no like terms to combine)
- 5 (no like terms to combine)
Therefore, the expression simplifies to a³ - 2a + 5. Since the answer should be arranged in descending powers of 'a', we rearrange the expression as a³ - a² - 2a + 5.