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Adding and Subtracting Polynomials

In this lesson, we will look into adding and subtracting polynomials

 

 

Adding Polynomials

Adding polynomials involves combining like terms.

 

Example:

Add the polynomials 5x – 2 + y and –3y + 5x + 2

Solution:

5x – 2 + y + (–3y + 5x + 2)

= 5x + 5x + y – 3y – 2 + 2

= 10x – 2y

 

 

Example:

Find the sum of –7x3y + 4x2y2 – 2 and 4x3y + 1 – 8x2y2

Solution:

–7x3y + 4x2y2– 2 + 4x3y + 1 – 8x2y2

= –7x3y + 4x3y + 4x2y2– 8x2y2 – 2 + 1

= –3x3y – 4x2y2– 1

 

 

Subtracting Polynomials

To subtract polynomials, remember to distribute the – sign into all the terms in the parenthesis.

Example:

Simplify –4x + 7 – (5x – 3)

Solution:

–4x + 7 – (5x – 3)

= –4x + 7 – 5x + 3

= –4x + 10

 

Example:

Simplify (5x2 + 2) – (– 4x2 + 7) + (– 3x2– 5)

Solution:

(5x2 + 2) – (– 4x2 + 7) + (– 3x2– 5)

= 5x2 + 2 + 4x2– 7 – 3x2– 5

= 5x2 + 4x2– 3x2 + 2 – 7 – 5

= 6x2– 10

 

 

Videos

Adding and subtracting polynomials -
Professor Edward Burger explains adding and subtracting polynomials

Adding and Subtracting Polynomials

 

 

 

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