Adding and Subtracting 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, 3x^2 + 2x - 5 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 and exponent. For example, 4x and 2x 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

What is the degree of a polynomial?

Back

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

Front

What is a monomial?

Back

A monomial is a polynomial with only one term, such as 5x or -3y^2.

Front

What is a binomial?

Back

A binomial is a polynomial with two terms, such as 3x + 4 or x^2 - 5.

Front

What is a trinomial?

Back

A trinomial is a polynomial with three terms, such as x^2 + 3x + 2.

Front

How do you combine the polynomials (2x^2 + 3x) and (4x^2 - x)?

Back

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

Front

What is the result of (5x^2 + 2) - (3x^2 - 4)?

Back

Change the signs and combine: (5x^2 - 3x^2) + (2 + 4) = 2x^2 + 6.