Question
Subtract polynomials: $ \, \color{blue}{ -3a^2-3a-4 } \, $ , $ \, \color{orangered}{ 2a^2-a+1 }$.
Answer
$$ \left( \color{blue}{-3a^2-3a-4} \right) - \left( \color{orangered}{2a^2-a+1} \right) = -5a^2-2a-5 $$
Explanation
Step 1: Write second polynomial below the first one. Making sure like terms are lined up.
$$ \begin{array}{lrrr} & -3a^2 & -3a & -4 \\ \color{red}{ - } & 2a^2 & -a & 1 \\ \hline \end{array} $$Step 2: Change ALL the signs in the second row.
$$ \begin{array}{lrrr} & -3a^2 & -3a & -4 \\ \color{red}{ - } & -2a^2 & a & -1 \\ \hline \end{array} $$Step 3: Combine like terms (add each column):
$$ \begin{array}{lrrr} & -3a^2 & -3a & -4 \\ \color{red}{ - } & -2a^2 & a & -1 \\ \hline & -a^2 & -4a & -3 \end{array} $$This page was created using
Polynomial Operations Calculator