Adding and Subtracting Polynomials

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What is a polynomial?

Back

A polynomial is a mathematical expression consisting of variables (also called indeterminates) raised to non-negative integer powers and coefficients. For example, 3x^2 + 2x + 1 is a polynomial.

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What is the degree of a polynomial?

Back

The degree of a polynomial is the highest power of the variable in the polynomial. For example, in the polynomial 4x^3 + 2x^2 + 5, the degree is 3.

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What is a monomial?

Back

A monomial is a polynomial with only one term. For example, 5x^2 is a monomial.

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What is a binomial?

Back

A binomial is a polynomial with exactly two terms. For example, 3x + 4 is a binomial.

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What is a trinomial?

Back

A trinomial is a polynomial with exactly three terms. For example, x^2 + 3x + 2 is a trinomial.

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How do you add polynomials?

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To add polynomials, combine like terms by adding their coefficients. For example, (2x + 3) + (4x + 5) = 6x + 8.

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How do you subtract polynomials?

Back

To subtract polynomials, distribute the negative sign and then combine like terms. For example, (5x^2 + 3) - (2x^2 + 1) = 3x^2 + 2.

Front

What are like terms?

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Like terms are terms that have the same variable raised to the same power. For example, 3x^2 and 5x^2 are like terms.

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What is the coefficient in a polynomial?

Back

The coefficient is the numerical factor in a term of a polynomial. For example, in 4x^3, 4 is the coefficient.

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What is the constant term in a polynomial?

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The constant term is the term in a polynomial that does not contain any variables. For example, in 2x^2 + 3x + 5, the constant term is 5.