Adding and Subtracting Polynomials

Front

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, 4x^3 - 2x^2 + 7 is a polynomial.

Front

What does it mean to add polynomials?

Back

Adding polynomials involves combining like terms, which are terms that have the same variable raised to the same power.

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.

Front

How do you subtract polynomials?

Back

To subtract polynomials, you change the signs of the terms in the polynomial being subtracted and then combine like terms.

Front

Simplify: (4a^3 - 8a - 4a^2) + (7a^3 - 7 - 6a)

Back

11a^3 - 4a^2 - 14a - 7

Front

Find the sum: (3 - 2x + 2x^2) + (4x - 5 + 3x^2)

Back

5x^2 + 2x - 2

Front

Add or Subtract to Simplify: (4x^2 + x) - (x^2 + 2x)

Back

3x^2 - x

Front

Simplify: 5x^2 + x - x^2 + 4x

Back

4x^2 + 5x

Front

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 4x^3 - 2x^2 + 7, the degree is 3.

Front

What is a coefficient in a polynomial?

Back

A coefficient is a numerical factor in a term of a polynomial. For example, in 5x^2, 5 is the coefficient.