# Thread: Unable to simplify equation

1. ## Unable to simplify equation

I have the function f(n) = n2 + (n2 - (n-1)) + (n2 - 2(n-1)) + (n2 - 3(n-1))

I tried pulling an "n-1" out like so:
f(n) = n2 + (n-1) [ (n2-1) + (n2-2) + (n2-3) ]

But when I run test cases on it against the original, it doesn't come out right.
I'm pretty positive I can't take an "n^2" out to simplify it.

Is that the simplest I can express that equation?

2. ## Re: Unable to simplify equation

Hello, jonarmani!

I have the function $f(n) \:=\:n^2+ \big[n^2 - (n-1)\big] + \big[n^2 - 2(n-1)\big] + \big[n^2 - 3(n-1)\big]$

I tried pulling an "n-1" out like so:
$f(n) \:=\: n^2 + (n-1) \big[(n^2-1) + (n^2-2) + (n^2-3)\big]$ . Illegal!

But when I run test cases on it against the original, it doesn't come out right.
I'm pretty positive I can't take an "n^2" out to simplify it.

Is that the simplest I can express that equation?

Why not add the four polynomials?

$n^2 + (n^2 - n + 1) + (n^2 - 2n + 2) + (n^2 - 3n +3)$

. . . . . . . . $=\;\;4n^2 - 6n + 6 \;\;=\;\;2(2n^2 - 3n + 3)$

Thank you!!!