Problem 35

Question

Add or subtract terms whenever possible. $$6 \sqrt{17 x}-8 \sqrt{17 x}$$

Step-by-Step Solution

Verified
Answer
\(-2 \sqrt{17x}\
1Step 1: Recognize Like Terms
Both terms in the expression have the same square root factor, \(\sqrt{17x}\). This means they can be combined. In algebra, like terms refer to terms whose variables (and their respective powers and coefficients) are the same.
2Step 2: Perform Operation
Subtract the coefficients of these like terms. Coefficients are the numbers in front of the variables. Therefore, \(6-8=-2\).
3Step 3: Write the Final Result
Write the result from step 2 with the common factor \(\sqrt{17x}\) to get \(-2 \sqrt{17x}\). This is the simplified form of the given expression.