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Polynomials

Subtraction

Subtraction is carried out in the same way as addition. To subtract two polynomials we subtract like terms. Subtracting polynomials is also a part of "collecting like terms".

Example 2.

(2*x^3+8*x^2-x+5)-(2*x^2 + x + 4) = 2*x^3 + (8*x^2 - 2*x^2) + (-x-x) + (5-4) = 2*x^3 + 6*x^2 - 2*x +1.

You may find it easier to carry out the subtraction as follows

Write one polynomial under the other and add like terms.

Exercise 4.

Test your skills with a few exercises.

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