The sum of 2 polynomials is obtained by adding corresponding terms.

Polynomials are also subtracted by subtracting corresponding terms.

Example; Given that

P(x) = x³+2x²-5x+1  , g(x) = 2x³-x²+3x+4   , h(x) = x²-2x+11

Find;

1. P(x) + g(x)                       c) g(x) – p(x)
2. h(x) – p(x)                       d) h(x) + g(x)

Solution

1.        x³ + 2x² – 5x + 1                     c)          2x³ – x² + 3x + 4

(+)  2x³ – x² + 3x + 4                              (-)   x³ + 2x² – 5x + 1

                  3x³ + x² -2x + 5                                      x³ – 3x² + 8x + 3

2.        0x³ + x² – 2x + 11                  d)            0x³ + x² – 2x +11

(-)    x³ + 2x² – 5x + 1                             (+)  2x³ – x² + 3x + 4

   -x³ – x² + 3x + 10                                   2x³ + x + 15