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