The next step in simplifying this expression is to identify which, if any, terms can be combined. Remember, only like terms — constant terms or terms with the same variable and the same exponent — can be combined.
5n - 2p^2+ 2np - 4p^2 - 4n
We have two pairs of like terms: two n-terms and two p^2-terms. To simplify the expression we will rearrange it according to the Commutative Property of Addition and then combine like terms.