Question
Subtract polynomials: $ \, \color{blue}{ x^2-6x-4 } \, $ , $ \, \color{orangered}{ 3x^2-4x-1 }$.
Answer
$$ \left( \color{blue}{x^2-6x-4} \right) - \left( \color{orangered}{3x^2-4x-1} \right) = -2x^2-2x-3 $$
Explanation
Step 1: Write second polynomial below the first one. Making sure like terms are lined up.
$$ \begin{array}{lrrr} & x^2 & -6x & -4 \\ \color{red}{ - } & 3x^2 & -4x & -1 \\ \hline \end{array} $$Step 2: Change ALL the signs in the second row.
$$ \begin{array}{lrrr} & x^2 & -6x & -4 \\ \color{red}{ - } & -3x^2 & 4x & 1 \\ \hline \end{array} $$Step 3: Combine like terms (add each column):
$$ \begin{array}{lrrr} & x^2 & -6x & -4 \\ \color{red}{ - } & -3x^2 & 4x & 1 \\ \hline & 4x^2 & -10x & -5 \end{array} $$This page was created using
Polynomial Operations Calculator