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Adding and Subtracting Polynomials – Definition with Examples

Jo-ann Caballes

Updated on January 12, 2024

Polynomials are expressions in mathematics that include coefficients multiplied by the sum of powers in one or more variables. For example, $3x²+4x-5$ is a polynomial. It consists of terms, where each term includes a coefficient (like 3, 4, -5) and a variable (like $x$) raised to an exponent (like 2 in $x²$). The highest power of the variable in the polynomial is known as the degree of the polynomial. So, in $3x²+4x-5$, the degree is 2. In many branches of mathematics and research, polynomials are employed for problem solving and modeling.

Basic Operations on Polynomials

Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division are the fundamental operations on polynomials. Polynomial equations can be simplified and solved with the use of these techniques. In polynomial addition and subtraction, like terms—that is, terms with the same variable raised to the same power—are combined. For instance, in $x²+2x$ and $3x²-x$, $x²$ and $3x²$ are like terms.

Definition and Examples of Adding Polynomials

Adding polynomials involves combining like terms from each polynomial. Like terms are those that have the same variable raised to the same power. For example, when adding $2x²+3x$ and $x²-4x$, we combine $2x²$ and $x²$ and then $3x$ and $-4x$. The result is $3x²-x$. The process is straightforward: align the like terms and add their coefficients.

Definition and Examples of Subtracting Polynomials

Subtracting polynomials is similar to adding them, but instead, we subtract the coefficients of like terms. For instance, consider $5x²+6x$ and $3x²+2x$. To subtract the second polynomial from the first, we subtract the coefficients of $x²$ (5 – 3) and the coefficients of $x$ (6 – 2), resulting in $2x²+4x$. It’s important to distribute the subtraction sign to each term of the polynomial being subtracted.

Factoring Polynomials Worksheet

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Factoring Polynomials Worksheet PDF

Factoring Polynomials Worksheet With Answers

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Factoring Polynomials Worksheet With Answers PDF

Steps for Adding and Subtracting Polynomials

The steps for adding and subtracting polynomials are straightforward:

1. Identify and arrange like terms.
2. For addition, add the coefficients of like terms. For subtraction, subtract the coefficients of like terms.
3. Write down the result, combining the new coefficients with the respective variables and powers.

Guidelines for Adding Polynomials

When adding polynomials:

• Arrange the polynomials so that like terms are lined up.
• Add the coefficients of like terms.
• Keep the variable and its exponent the same.

Guidelines for Subtracting Polynomials

For subtracting polynomials:

• Arrange the polynomials with like terms lined up.
• Distribute the subtraction sign to each term of the polynomial being subtracted.
• Subtract the coefficients of like terms.
• Keep the variable and its exponent unchanged.

Solved Examples on Adding and Subtracting Polynomials

Example 1: Add $2x²+4x$ and $3x²-2x$. Solution: $2x²+4x+3x²-2x=5x²+2x$.

Example 2: Subtract $x²+5x$ from $4x²+2x$. Solution: $4x²+2x-(x²+5x)=4x²+2x-x²-5x=3x²-3x$.

Practice Questions to Master Polynomial Operations

1. Add $x²+2x+1$ and $2x²-3x+4$.
2. Subtract $3x²+4x-5$ from $5x²-2x+1$.
3. Add (4x³- 3x² + x) and $x³+2x²-4x$.
4. Subtract $2x²-6x+3$ from $3x²-4x+5$.
5. Add $5x²+3x-7$ and $x²+4x+8$.

Algebra 1 Factoring Polynomials Worksheets

Polynomials And Factoring Worksheet

Jo-ann Caballes

6 articles

As a seasoned educator with a Bachelor’s in Secondary Education and over three years of experience, I specialize in making mathematics accessible to students of all backgrounds through Brighterly. My expertise extends beyond teaching; I blog about innovative educational strategies and have a keen interest in child psychology and curriculum development. My approach is shaped by a belief in practical, real-life application of math, making learning both impactful and enjoyable.