Question

subtract the following terms, if possible. 5\sqrt{17x}-9\sqrt{17x} select the correct choice below and, if necessary, fill in the answer box to complete your choice. a. 5\sqrt{17x}-9\sqrt{17x}= (type an exact answer, using radicals as needed.) b. the radicals cannot be combined.

Explanation:

Step1: Identify like - radicals

The terms $5\sqrt{17x}$ and $9\sqrt{17x}$ are like - radicals since they have the same radicand ($17x$).

Step2: Subtract the coefficients

We subtract the coefficients of the like - radicals. The coefficient of $5\sqrt{17x}$ is 5 and the coefficient of $9\sqrt{17x}$ is 9. So, $5\sqrt{17x}-9\sqrt{17x}=(5 - 9)\sqrt{17x}$.

Step3: Calculate the result

$5−9=-4$, so $(5 - 9)\sqrt{17x}=-4\sqrt{17x}$.

Answer:

A. $5\sqrt{17x}-9\sqrt{17x}=-4\sqrt{17x}$