To simplify the expression [tex]\(-4u^2 + 7u^2\)[/tex], we need to combine the like terms. Here is the step-by-step process:
1. Identify the like terms: Both [tex]\(-4u^2\)[/tex] and [tex]\(7u^2\)[/tex] are like terms because they both contain the same variable raised to the same power ([tex]\(u^2\)[/tex]).
2. Combine the coefficients: Add the coefficients of the like terms together. The coefficients here are [tex]\(-4\)[/tex] and [tex]\(7\)[/tex].
[tex]\[
-4 + 7 = 3
\][/tex]
3. Multiply the combined coefficient by the common variable part: After combining the coefficients, multiply the result by the common variable part ([tex]\(u^2\)[/tex]).
[tex]\[
3u^2
\][/tex]
So, the simplified form of the expression [tex]\(-4u^2 + 7u^2\)[/tex] is:
[tex]\[
3u^2
\][/tex]