Mathematics · Polynomial Functions · Topic 4 · 4 of 18
Adding and Subtracting Polynomials
Combine like terms and write results in standard form.
Like termsTerms combine only when their variable parts and exponents match.
AdditionRemove grouping symbols, then add coefficients of like terms.
SubtractionDistribute the negative sign to every term of the polynomial being subtracted.
Worked example
(3x³−2x+5)+(x³+7x−4)=4x³+5x+1
- Arrange both expressions in descending powers.
- Align like terms.
- Combine coefficients and simplify.