What is the sum of the polynomials? (7x³ - 4x²) + (2x³ - 4x²)

Solution:

The polynomials can be added or subtracted when it contains like terms, by like terms we mean that the same alphabets with same powers.

Whereas for multiplication no such rules exists any term with any power can be multiplied. Then the powers of the terms are changed according to rules of exponents

Given polynomial equation is (7x³ - 4x²) + (2x³ - 4x²)

Addition of polynomials are done by adding ‘like terms’.

Hence, sorting and adding,

7x³ - 4x² + 2x³ - 4x²

= 7x³ + 2x³- 4x² - 4x²

= 9x³ - 8x²

Example:

What is the sum of (8x⁴ - 32x³ - 4x² + 12x) + (7x⁴ - 3x³ + 9x² - 2x)

Solution:

Adding the like terms , 15x⁴ - 35x³ + 5x² + 10x