Adding and Subtracting Polynomials

A polynomial is a mathematical expression consisting of variables, coefficients, and non-negative integer exponents, combined using addition, subtraction, and multiplication.

Like terms are terms in a polynomial that have the same variable raised to the same power. For example, 3x and 5x are like terms.

To add polynomials, combine like terms by adding their coefficients while keeping the variable part the same.

To subtract polynomials, distribute the negative sign to the second polynomial and then combine like terms.

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

A coefficient is a numerical factor in a term of a polynomial. For example, in 5x^2, 5 is the coefficient.

6x - 2.

-2x^2 + 3x.

5x^2 + x.

5x^2 and -2x^2 are like terms.