Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Distributive Property
The distributive property states that a(b + c) = ab + ac. This property allows us to multiply a single term by each term inside a set of parentheses. In the given expression, -1/4 is distributed to each term within the parentheses, which simplifies the expression effectively.
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Multiply Polynomials Using the Distributive Property
Combining Like Terms
Combining like terms involves adding or subtracting terms that have the same variable raised to the same power. After applying the distributive property, you may encounter terms that can be simplified further by combining them, which streamlines the expression and makes it easier to understand.
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Negative Coefficients
A negative coefficient indicates that the term it multiplies will have its sign reversed when simplified. In this expression, the -1/4 will change the signs of the terms it multiplies, which is crucial for correctly simplifying the expression and ensuring the final result is accurate.
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