Question
Subtract polynomials: $ \, \color{blue}{ 11x^4+3x^3-12x^2+5x } \, $ , $ \, \color{orangered}{ 2x^4+7x^3-8x-11 }$.
Answer
$$ \left( \color{blue}{11x^4+3x^3-12x^2+5x} \right) - \left( \color{orangered}{2x^4+7x^3-8x-11} \right) = 9x^4-4x^3-12x^2+13x+11 $$
Explanation
Step 1: Write second polynomial below the first one. Making sure like terms are lined up.
$$ \begin{array}{lrrrrr} & 11x^4 & 3x^3 & -12x^2 & 5x & \\ \color{red}{ - } & 2x^4 & 7x^3 & & -8x & -11 \\ \hline \end{array} $$Step 2: Change ALL the signs in the second row.
$$ \begin{array}{lrrrrr} & 11x^4 & 3x^3 & -12x^2 & 5x & \\ \color{red}{ - } & -2x^4 & -7x^3 & & 8x & 11 \\ \hline \end{array} $$Step 3: Combine like terms (add each column):
$$ \begin{array}{lrrrrr} & 11x^4 & 3x^3 & -12x^2 & 5x & \\ \color{red}{ - } & -2x^4 & -7x^3 & & 8x & 11 \\ \hline & 13x^4 & 10x^3 & -12x^2 & -3x & -11 \end{array} $$This page was created using
Polynomial Operations Calculator