Problem 36 - College Algebra

Question

Add or subtract terms whenever possible. $$4 \sqrt{13 x}-6 \sqrt{13 x}$$

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The simplified form of the expression is \(-2 \sqrt{13x}\)

Step 1: Identify like terms

In the given expression \(4 \sqrt{13x} - 6 \sqrt{13x}\), both terms are general terms of \(\sqrt{13x}\). They are considered like terms as they have the same variable part.

Step 2: Subtract the coefficients

Now we can subtract the coefficients in front of \(\sqrt{13x}\). This means subtracting the numerical part of the terms, which is 4 and -6. Doing so, we get \(-2 \sqrt{13x}\).

Step 3: Simplify if possible

In this case, \(-2 \sqrt{13x}\) is the simplest form of the expression, as there are no like terms left to combine, so we are done.