Objective
To subtract a polynomial from another polynomial
What is a polynomial?
A polynomial is defined as an expression of one or more terms.
Types of polynomials
- Monomial : A polynomial of one term is called a monomial.
- Binomial : A polynomial of two terms is called a binomial.
- Trinomial : A polynomial of three terms is called a trinomial.
What is "subtracting polynomials"?
- Subtracting polynomials is very similar to adding polynomials, where the minus sign is converted through the parentheses.
- There are two methods of subtracting polynomials : vertically and horizontally.
- Keep two rules in mind while performing the subtraction of polynomials:
- Rule 1: Always take like terms together while performing subtraction.
- Rule 2: The signs of all the terms of the subtracting polynomial will change; the "+" sign changes to the "–" sign, and the "–" sign changes to the "+" sign.
Pre-requisite Knowledge
Like Terms:
- Like terms that have the same algebraic factors.
- In the like terms, only the numerical coefficients can vary.
- For example, 4𝑥y and -3𝑥y are an algebraic expressions with like terms.
Unlike Terms:
- The terms that have the different algebraic factors are unlike terms.
- For example, 4𝑥y and -3𝑥 are an algebraic expressions with unlike terms.
