1. **State the problem:** Simplify the expression $$(-6x^7 + 2x^4 + 2x^2 + 26) - (4x^7 - 5x^2 + 18)$$. 2. **Formula and rules:** When subtracting polynomials, distribute the minus sign to each term in the second polynomial and then combine like terms. 3. **Distribute the minus sign:** $$- (4x^7 - 5x^2 + 18) = -4x^7 + 5x^2 - 18$$ 4. **Rewrite the expression:** $$(-6x^7 + 2x^4 + 2x^2 + 26) + (-4x^7 + 5x^2 - 18)$$ 5. **Combine like terms:** - For $x^7$: $$-6x^7 - 4x^7 = -10x^7$$ - For $x^4$: $$2x^4$$ (no like term to combine) - For $x^2$: $$2x^2 + 5x^2 = 7x^2$$ - For constants: $$26 - 18 = 8$$ 6. **Final simplified expression:** $$-10x^7 + 2x^4 + 7x^2 + 8$$ 7. **Answer choice:** This matches option D.