Question

what expression does this set of algebra tiles represent?
combine like terms. for example, write 3 instead of 1 + 1 + 1.

Explanation:

Step1: Count $-x^2$ tiles

There are 4 tiles of $-x^2$, so this term is $4(-x^2) = -4x^2$.

Step2: Count $-x$ tiles

There is 1 tile of $-x$, so this term is $-x$.

Step3: Count constant tiles

There are 5 tiles of $1$, so this term is $5(1) = 5$.

Step4: Combine all terms

Add the simplified terms together.
$-4x^2 - x + 5$

Answer:

$-4x^2 - x + 5$