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# Addition and Subtraction of Polynomials

## Combining like terms in polynomial expressions

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Practice Addition and Subtraction of Polynomials

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### Addition and Subtraction of Polynomials

To add two or more polynomials, write their sum and then simplify by combining like terms.

Add and simplify the resulting polynomials.

To subtract one polynomial from another, add the opposite of each term of the polynomial you are subtracting.

#### Subtracting Polynomials

a) Subtract from

b) Subtract from

Note: An easy way to check your work after adding or subtracting polynomials is to substitute a convenient value in for the variable, and check that your answer and the problem both give the same value. For example, in part (b) above, if we let and , then we can check as follows:

Since both expressions evaluate to the same number when we substitute in arbitrary values for the variables, we can be reasonably sure that our answer is correct.

Note: When you use this method, do not choose 0 or 1 for checking since these can lead to common problems.

#### Problem Solving Using Addition or Subtraction of Polynomials

One way we can use polynomials is to find the area of a geometric figure.

#### Writing a Polynomial

Write a polynomial that represents the area of each figure shown.

a)

This shape is formed by two squares and two rectangles.

To find the total area of the figure we add all the separate areas:

b)

This shape is formed by two squares and one rectangle.

To find the total area of the figure we add all the separate areas:

c)

To find the area of the green region we find the area of the big square and subtract the area of the little square.

d)

To find the area of the figure we can find the area of the big rectangle and add the areas of the pink squares.

To find the total area of the figure we add all the separate areas:

Another way to find this area is to find the area of the big square and subtract the areas of the three yellow squares:

To find the total area of the figure we subtract:

### Example

#### Example 1

Subtract from .

When subtracting polynomials, we have to remember to subtract each term. If the term is already negative, subtracting a negative term is the same thing as adding:

The final answer is in standard form.

### Review

Subtract and simplify.

Find the area of the following figures.

### Notes/Highlights Having trouble? Report an issue.

Color Highlighted Text Notes

### Vocabulary Language: English

distributive property

The distributive property states that the product of an expression and a sum is equal to the sum of the products of the expression and each term in the sum. For example, $a(b + c) = ab + ac$.

Polynomial

A polynomial is an expression with at least one algebraic term, but which does not indicate division by a variable or contain variables with fractional exponents.

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