Question
Subtract polynomials: $ \, \color{blue}{ -18x^2+4x-16 } \, $ , $ \, \color{orangered}{ 15x^2+4x-1 }$.
Answer
$$ \left( \color{blue}{-18x^2+4x-16} \right) - \left( \color{orangered}{15x^2+4x-1} \right) = -33x^2-15 $$
Explanation
Step 1: Write second polynomial below the first one. Making sure like terms are lined up.
$$ \begin{array}{lrrr} & -18x^2 & 4x & -16 \\ \color{red}{ - } & 15x^2 & 4x & -1 \\ \hline \end{array} $$Step 2: Change ALL the signs in the second row.
$$ \begin{array}{lrrr} & -18x^2 & 4x & -16 \\ \color{red}{ - } & -15x^2 & -4x & 1 \\ \hline \end{array} $$Step 3: Combine like terms (add each column):
$$ \begin{array}{lrrr} & -18x^2 & 4x & -16 \\ \color{red}{ - } & -15x^2 & -4x & 1 \\ \hline & -3x^2 & 8x & -17 \end{array} $$This page was created using
Polynomial Operations Calculator