# Performing Operations?

• Dec 18th 2009, 12:03 PM
deekay930
Performing Operations?
Something so different from what I taught. I have no idea how to solve this.

$24x^2z^2-2x^2z^2+x^2+z^2$

$(x+y+xy)-(3x+4x^2)$

NOTE: the exponents behind the z's are suppose to be -2.
• Dec 18th 2009, 12:05 PM
Dinkydoe
Solve what actually?

I see no equation or a problem. Only two strings of variables I suppose?
• Dec 18th 2009, 12:09 PM
deekay930
Quote:

Originally Posted by Dinkydoe
Solve what actually?

I see no equation or a problem. Only two strings of variables I suppose?

It says to perform each of the operation and put the answers in descending order with regard to the x variable.
• Dec 19th 2009, 02:49 AM
HallsofIvy
Quote:

Originally Posted by deekay930
Something so different from what I taught. I have no idea how to solve this.

$24x^2z^{-2}-2x^2z^{-2}+x^2+z^{-2}$

Did you notice that the x and z dependence of the first two terms are exactly the same? Combine them. If you were told "put the answers in descending order with regard to the x variable", since all three terms have $x^2$, they can be in any order

Quote:

$(x+y+xy)-(3x+4x^2)$
x- 3x= -2x.

Quote:

NOTE: the exponents behind the z's are suppose to be -2.
So use "z^{-2}".