Question
Subtract polynomials: $ \, \color{blue}{ 5x^2+3x-2 } \, $ , $ \, \color{orangered}{ -12x^2-8x+1 }$.
Answer
$$ \left( \color{blue}{5x^2+3x-2} \right) - \left( \color{orangered}{-12x^2-8x+1} \right) = 17x^2+11x-3 $$
Explanation
Step 1: Write second polynomial below the first one. Making sure like terms are lined up.
$$ \begin{array}{lrrr} & 5x^2 & 3x & -2 \\ \color{red}{ - } & -12x^2 & -8x & 1 \\ \hline \end{array} $$Step 2: Change ALL the signs in the second row.
$$ \begin{array}{lrrr} & 5x^2 & 3x & -2 \\ \color{red}{ - } & 12x^2 & 8x & -1 \\ \hline \end{array} $$Step 3: Combine like terms (add each column):
$$ \begin{array}{lrrr} & 5x^2 & 3x & -2 \\ \color{red}{ - } & 12x^2 & 8x & -1 \\ \hline & -7x^2 & -5x & -1 \end{array} $$This page was created using
Polynomial Operations Calculator