Adding Subtracting and Multiplying Polynomials

The first step in simplifying this expression is to identify which, if any, terms can be combined. Remember, only like terms — constant terms or terms with the same variable and the same exponent — can be combined.

(- 5 x^{2} + 4 x - 2) + (- 8 x^{2} + 2 x + 1)

In this case, we have two

x^{2} - terms,

two

x - terms,

and two

constants .

To simplify the expression we will rearrange the terms and then combine like terms.

(- 5 x^{2} + 4 x - 2) + (- 8 x^{2} + 2 x + 1)

RemoveParRemove parentheses

- 5 x^{2} + 4 x - 2 - 8 x^{2} + 2 x + 1

CommutativePropAddCommutative Property of Addition

- 5 x^{2} - 8 x^{2} + 4 x + 2 x - 2 + 1

AddSubTermsAdd and subtract terms

- 13 x^{2} + 6 x - 1

Adding Subtracting and Multiplying Polynomials 1.8 - Solution