2.4.2

Adding & Subtracting Polynomials

Test yourself

Adding and Subtracting Polynomials

Adding and subtracting polynomials can be thought of as just adding and subtracting like terms. Look for terms with the same variables with the same exponent.

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Identify like terms

  • Identify like terms by underlining or circling like terms.
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Rearrange

  • The commutative property of addition allows us to rearrange the terms in polynomials to put like terms together.
  • Remember to keep track of any minus signs.
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Combine like terms

  • Sum the coefficients of terms of the same degree to write the polynomial in its simplest form.

Jump to other topics

1Proof

2Algebra & Functions

2.1Powers & Roots

2.2Quadratic Equations

2.3Inequalities

2.4Polynomials

2.5Graphs

2.6Functions

2.7Transformation of Graphs

2.8Partial Fractions (A2 Only)

3Coordinate Geometry

4Sequences & Series

5Trigonometry

6Exponentials & Logarithms

7Differentiation

8Integration

9Numerical Methods

10Vectors

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