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Polynomials

Addition

To add polynomials we add like terms (terms with the same power). Addition of polynomials is also known as "collecting like terms".

Example 1A.

(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 + 10*x^2 + 9.

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

Write one equation under the other and add like terms.


Example 1B.

Study a few more examples:
x3
+
x2
+
x
+
  +        
x3
+
x2
+
x
+
 
x3
+
x2
+
x
+

 

 

Exercise 3.

Now try a few on your own:
x3
+
x2
+
x
+
  +            
x3
+
x2
+
x
+
 
x3
+
x2
+
x
+

 

 

 

 

 

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