Add & Subtract Function Game

Add & Subtract Function Game
This game will require you to add or subtract two functions to get a new expression. Scroll down for a detailed explanation.
 

 

How to Play the Add & Subtract Function Game

1. Identify the Functions
   At the top of the card, you are given two functions:
   f(x) (Indigo): Usually a combination of x², x, and constant numbers.
   g(x) (Emerald): A second algebraic expression.
   

2. Check the Operation
   The center display tells you what to do with them:
   (f + g)(x): Add the two functions together.
   (f - g)(x): Subtract the second function (g) from the first (f).
   

3. Combine “Like Terms”
   To win, you must group terms that have the same “power” of x. You cannot add an x² to a regular x.
   x² terms: Combine the coefficients of the squared terms.
   x terms: Combine the coefficients of the x terms.
   Constants: Combine the plain numbers at the end.
   

How to Type Your Answer
Since you are typing algebra into a computer, use these formatting rules:
Exponents: Type x^2 for x².
Signs: Use + and - clearly (e.g., 2x^2 + 3x - 5).
Order: It is standard to write the highest power first, but the game is smart enough to understand you as long as the math is correct.

A Worked Example
Given:
f(x) = 2x² + 5
g(x) = x² - 3x + 1
Operation: (f + g)(x)
Solution:
Combine x²: 2x² + 1x² = 3x²
Combine x: 0x + (-3x) = -3x
Combine constants: 5 + 1 = 6
Your Answer: 3x^2 - 3x + 6

The “Subtraction Trap”
When doing (f - g)(x), remember to flip the sign of every term in g(x).
If g(x) = x - 5, then subtracting it looks like: -(x - 5) = -x + 5.

This video gives a clear, step-by-step approach to add & subtract functions.

• Show Video

 

Try out our new and fun Fraction Concoction Game.

Add and subtract fractions to make exciting fraction concoctions following a recipe. There are four levels of difficulty: Easy, medium, hard and insane. Practice the basics of fraction addition and subtraction or challenge yourself with the insane level.

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