1. **State the problem:** Simplify the expression $$9q^2 + 6q^2 + 12p^3 + 3p^3 + 18q^2$$. 2. **Identify like terms:** Terms with the same variable and exponent can be combined. - Like terms with $q^2$: $9q^2$, $6q^2$, and $18q^2$. - Like terms with $p^3$: $12p^3$ and $3p^3$. 3. **Combine like terms:** - For $q^2$ terms: $$9q^2 + 6q^2 + 18q^2 = (9 + 6 + 18)q^2 = 33q^2$$ - For $p^3$ terms: $$12p^3 + 3p^3 = (12 + 3)p^3 = 15p^3$$ 4. **Write the simplified expression:** $$33q^2 + 15p^3$$ 5. **Final answer:** The simplified form of the expression is $$33q^2 + 15p^3$$.