High School Math : How to add and subtract polynomials in pre-algebra

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for High School Math

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : How To Add And Subtract Polynomials In Pre Algebra

If  

and 

,

what is ?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

To solve we must first write out what is:

Now,we can simplify. However, notice that when subtracting these terms, we subtract all terms in the parentheses. Remember when we subtract a negative number, it is the same as adding the number. This is illustrated in the simplification below.


 

This simplifies to 

Now we can combine like terms. Let's put those together and then simplify

Example Question #2 : How To Add And Subtract Polynomials In Pre Algebra

Simplify the expression below.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

When simplifying the addition or subtraction of polynomials, we want to combine like terms. First, when we have a negative sign outside our parentheses, we know that we need to distribute that negative; think of it as an imaginary  and use the distributive property).

Then, we combine our like terms. Be careful when subtracting.

Rearrange the expression.

Combine terms and simplify.

Example Question #2 : How To Add And Subtract Polynomials In Pre Algebra

Simplify the expression.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Combine like terms.

Add the terms together.

Example Question #2 : How To Add And Subtract Polynomials In Pre Algebra

What is the sum of  and ?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

In order to solve the problem, simply add the equations.

Combine like terms.

Solve.

Example Question #3 : How To Add And Subtract Polynomials In Pre Algebra

What is ?

 

 

 

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

When subtracting polynomials you only subtract the integers in front of like termed variables raised to the same power.

So in this case we take the numbers from in front of the variables and subtract them to get 

After subtraction we add the variable  to get .

The answer is .

Example Question #3 : How To Add And Subtract Polynomials In Pre Algebra

 

 

 

 

Simplify: 

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

According to exponent laws, if the bases are the same for the two numbers being divided, you keep the base and subtract the exponents.

Example Question #4 : How To Add And Subtract Polynomials In Pre Algebra

Simplify:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Because both terms have the same radical,  , you can combine terms.

 equals 

Example Question #5 : How To Add And Subtract Polynomials In Pre Algebra

What is 

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

When adding polynomials you only add the integers in front of like-termed variables raised to the same power.

So in this case we take the numbers and add 

After addition we add the variable  to get 

Example Question #4 : How To Add And Subtract Polynomials In Pre Algebra

What is  simplified?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

When subtracting polynomials you only subtract the integers in front of like-termed variables raised to the same power.

So in this case we take the numbers and subtract them 

After subtraction we add the variable  to get .

The answer is .

Example Question #1031 : High School Math

What is  simplified?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

When adding polynomials you only add the integers in front of like-termed variables raised to the same power.

So in this case we take the numbers with like-termed variables and combine them .

After subtraction we add the term  to get .

The answer is 

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