Simplifying Formal Charge?

[JakeSaum_1A]

Hi, I'm running into homework problems that say my answer is wrong if I don't simplify the formal charge. How would one decide whether they have to simplify it or not, and what does it mean to do so? Thanks

[VSU_3F]

Do you mean that you're leaving the numbers plugged into the formal charge formula? I'm not sure what you mean by your formal charges aren't simplified enough.

[Marisa Gaitan 2D]

I believe you have to draw your lewis structures in a way that minimizes the formal charges of the atoms. I haven't gotten to the homework questions yet, but if I recall from the lectures, the goal is to get the formal charge to match the charge of the molecule/ion/whatever you are working with.

[Eunice_Castro_1G]

The formal charge you want to get is 0, since the molecules will be more stable in this state. So perhaps that is what simplifying formal charge may imply. Hope this helps!