Polynomial Addition and Subtraction Math Example 4

Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.

Example 4

hard
Simplify (x4+2x2βˆ’3)βˆ’(2x4βˆ’x3+2x2+1)(x^4 + 2x^2 - 3) - (2x^4 - x^3 + 2x^2 + 1).

Solution

  1. 1
    Distribute: x4+2x2βˆ’3βˆ’2x4+x3βˆ’2x2βˆ’1x^4 + 2x^2 - 3 - 2x^4 + x^3 - 2x^2 - 1.
  2. 2
    Combine: βˆ’x4+x3+0x2βˆ’4=βˆ’x4+x3βˆ’4-x^4 + x^3 + 0x^2 - 4 = -x^4 + x^3 - 4.

Answer

βˆ’x4+x3βˆ’4-x^4 + x^3 - 4
Higher-degree polynomial subtraction follows the same rules β€” distribute the negative, then combine like terms. Notice that 2x2βˆ’2x2=02x^2 - 2x^2 = 0, eliminating that term entirely.

About Polynomial Addition and Subtraction

Adding or subtracting polynomials by combining like termsβ€”terms with the same variable raised to the same power.

Learn more about Polynomial Addition and Subtraction β†’

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