College Algebra / Unit 2 Alg 065 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Adding and Subtracting Polynomials
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The idea
Polynomials add and subtract by combining like terms — terms with the same variable raised to the same power.
In practice
(2x² + 3x) + (x² − 5x) collects to 3x² − 2x: the squares combine, the x-terms combine, and the two kinds never mix.
Where people slip
Subtraction distributes its minus sign to every term behind it.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Builds on
- Nothing. This is a starting point.
Unlocks
- Nothing yet depends on this.
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