algebra tiles to find \( \left(8 x^{2}-10 x+4\right)-\left(4 x^{2}+1\right) \)
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Mind Expander
Algebra tiles make polynomial operations tangible! To find \( \left(8 x^{2}-10 x+4\right)-\left(4 x^{2}+1\right) \), start by representing \(8x^2\), \(-10x\), and \(4\) with tiles. Use 8 large squares for \(8x^2\), 10 negative rods for \(-10x\), and 4 positive unit tiles for \(4\). Then, take away the tiles for \(4x^2\) (4 squares) and \(1\) (1 unit). Gather all the remaining tiles. You’ll end up with \(4x^2 - 10x + 3\) as the final expression! Want to make sense of the result? A quick check reveals that combining like terms after the subtraction leads to \(4x^2\) from \(8x^2 - 4x^2\), \(-10x\) remains, and \(4 - 1\) gives you just 3. Understanding this helps avoid common mistakes like forgetting to distribute the negative sign across all terms!