Problem 67 - Introductory Algebra for College Students

Question

Will help you prepare for the material covered in the first section of the next chapter. $$\text { Subtract: }-9 y^{4}-\left(-2 y^{4}\right)$$

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The solution to the given subtraction problem is \(-7y^{4}\)

Step 1: Identify Coefficients and Degrees

The first term is \(-9 y^{4}\) and the second term is \(-2 y^{4}\). Note that both have the same degree \(4\), and that they are both multiply by \(y\). The coefficients for these terms are \(-9\) and \(-2\), respectively.

Step 2: Apply Principle of Subtracting Negative

Recall that subtracting a negative number is the same as adding a positive number. Here, we are subtracting negative 2 from negative 9, so it is the same as adding positive 2 to negative 9.

Step 3: Perform the Subtraction

When we add 2 to -9, we get -7. The result is \(-7y^{4}\)