PSAT Math : How to subtract trinomials

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for PSAT Math

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Example Questions

Example Question #2 : Simplifying Polynomials

Evaluate the following:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

To subtract these two trinomials, you first need to flip the sign on every term in the second trinomial, since it is being subtrated:

Next you can combine like terms. You have two terms with , two terms with , and two terms with no variable:

Example Question #1 : How To Subtract Trinomials

Find the difference:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Find the difference:

Distribute the negative to the second trinomial:

Combine like terms:

Example Question #7 : Simplifying And Expanding Quadratics

Subtract:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

When subtracting trinomials, first distribute the negative sign to the expression being subtracted, and then remove the parentheses: 

Next, identify and group the like terms in order to combine them: .

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