Question

Simplify the polynomial. Then find its value for the given value of the variable.

(full question attached as image)

Answer 1

• simplified: xy²
• value: 4

Explanation:

The polynomial is simplified by combining like terms. Like terms are identified more easily if the variables in each term are written in the same order. We usually like to use alphabetical order. Two of the like terms have opposite coefficients, so they cancel. The result is ...

(3 1/2 -2 1/2)xy² +(-2 4/5 +2 4/5)x²y

= xy² . . . . simplified expression

__

For x = 1, y = -2, the value of the expression is ...

(1)(-2)² = 4