Intermediate Algebra, Chapter 5, 5.2, Section 5.2, Problem 51

Combine the like terms of the polynomial $6 + 3p - (2p + 1) - (2p + 9)$


Multiply $-1$ by each term inside the parentheses.

$6+3p-2p-1-(2p+9)$


Multiply $-1$ by each term inside the parentheses.

$6+3p-2p-1-2p-9$


Subtract 1 from 6 to get 5.

$5+3p-2p-2p-9$


Subtract 9 from 5 to get $-4$.

$-4+3p-2p-2p$


Since $3p$ and $-2p$ are like terms, add $-2p$ to $3p$ to get $p$.

$-4+p-2p$


Since $p$ and $-2p$ are like terms, add $-2p$ to $p$ to get $-p$.

$-4-p$


Reorder the polynomial $-4-p$ alphabetically from left to right, starting with the highest order term.

Therefore, the answer is $-p-4$