Adding and Subtracting Polynomials Practice

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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, 2x^2 + 3x - 5 is a polynomial.

Front

What does it mean to add polynomials?

Back

Adding polynomials involves combining like terms from each polynomial. Like terms are terms that have the same variable raised to the same power.

Front

What does it mean to subtract polynomials?

Back

Subtracting polynomials involves changing the signs of the terms in the polynomial being subtracted and then combining like terms.

Front

How do you combine like terms?

Back

To combine like terms, add or subtract the coefficients of terms that have the same variable and exponent. For example, 3x + 5x = 8x.

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 degree. For example, 4x^3 + 2x^2 + x + 1.

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What is the degree of a polynomial?

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The degree of a polynomial is the highest power of the variable in the polynomial. For example, in 3x^4 + 2x^2 + 1, the degree is 4.

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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.

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What is a constant term in a polynomial?

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

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How do you write the sum of two polynomials?

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To write the sum of two polynomials, add the corresponding coefficients of like terms. For example, (2x + 3) + (4x + 5) = 6x + 8.

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How do you write the difference of two polynomials?

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To write the difference of two polynomials, subtract the coefficients of like terms after distributing the negative sign. For example, (5x + 3) - (2x + 1) = 3x + 2.