Flashcard Add/Subtract Polynomials

Front

What is a polynomial?

Back

A polynomial is a mathematical expression that consists of variables, coefficients, and non-negative integer exponents. For example, 2x^2 + 3x - 5 is a polynomial.

Front

What does it mean to add polynomials?

Back

Adding polynomials involves combining like terms from two or more polynomial expressions. For example, (2x^2 + 3x) + (4x^2 + 5) = 6x^2 + 3x + 5.

Front

What does it mean to subtract polynomials?

Back

Subtracting polynomials involves taking the second polynomial and changing the signs of its terms before combining like terms. For example, (3x^2 + 2x) - (x^2 + 4) = 2x^2 + 2x - 4.

Front

What are like terms?

Back

Like terms are terms in a polynomial that have the same variable raised to the same power. For example, 3x^2 and 5x^2 are like terms, while 3x^2 and 4x are not.

Front

How do you combine like terms?

Back

To combine like terms, add or subtract their coefficients while keeping the variable part the same. For example, 2x + 3x = 5x.

Front

What is the standard form of a polynomial?

Back

The standard form of a polynomial is when the terms are arranged in descending order of their exponents. For example, 4x^3 + 2x^2 - x + 5.

Front

What is the degree of a polynomial?

Back

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

Front

How do you simplify the expression (2x + 3) + (4x - 5)?

Back

Combine like terms: (2x + 4x) + (3 - 5) = 6x - 2.

Front

What is the result of (5x^2 - 3x) - (2x^2 + x)?

Back

Subtract the second polynomial: (5x^2 - 2x^2) + (-3x - x) = 3x^2 - 4x.

Front

What is the result of (3x^2 + 4) + (2x^2 - 1)?

Back

Combine like terms: (3x^2 + 2x^2) + (4 - 1) = 5x^2 + 3.