Algebra 1 : How to add polynomials

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Algebra 1

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Example Questions

Example Question #41 : How To Add Polynomials

Given  and , find .

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

When adding the two polynomial functions together, it is important to only add the terms with the same base ( can only add to other terms with the same degree, , and when doing so, we add the coefficients together). 

Following this rule, we get

Example Question #42 : How To Add Polynomials

Add the polynomials  and .

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Set up an expression to add the polynomials.  Use parentheses to separate both polynomials.

Combine like terms.

The answer is:  

Example Question #43 : How To Add Polynomials

Add the following polynomials:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

We must begin by combining like terms. Remember that like terms are those that contain the same variables, raised to the same power. This leads us to the following operations:

When we add and subtract accordingly, we are left with:

. Remember, do not add the exponents in this case--only when the terms are being multiplied.

Example Question #21 : Simplifying Polynomials

Simplify the following expressions by combining like terms:

 

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Distribute the negative sign through all terms in the parentheses:

Add the second half of the expression, to get:

Example Question #42 : How To Add Polynomials

Simplify the following expression.

Possible Answers:

None of the other answers.

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Place like terms (with the same variable and exponent) together.

Add the like terms.

Example Question #42 : How To Add Polynomials

Add , and .

Possible Answers:

None of the other answers.

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Add , and .

Group like terms (with the same variable and exponent). Line up the polynomials in columns to make grouping the terms from several polynomials easier. Then add down.

            

                     

                                     

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