Adding Polynomials
You probably know how to combine like terms. Addition of polynomials is done
simply by adding the like terms.
Addition of Polynomials
To add two polynomials, add the like terms.
Polynomials can be added horizontally or vertically, as show in the next
example.
Adding polynomials
Perform the indicated operation.
a) (x2 - 6x + 5) + (-3x2 + 5x - 9)
b) (-5a3 + 3a - 7) + (4a2 -3a + 7)
Solution
a) We can use the commutative and associative properties to get the like
terms next to each other and then combine them:
(x2 - 6x + 5) + (-3x2 + 5x - 9) |
= x2 -3x2 - 6x + 5x + 5 - 9 |
|
= -2x2 - x - 4 |
b) When adding vertically, we line up the like terms:
-5a3 |
|
+ 3a |
- 7 |
|
|
4a2 |
- 3a |
+ 7 |
|
-5a3 |
+ 4a2 |
|
|
Add |
|