Adding Polynomials
To add two polynomials, add the coefficients of the terms of the same degree.
P(x) = 2x3 + 5x − 3 Q(x) = 4x − 3x2 + 2x3
1 If they are not of the same degree, order the polynomials.
Q(x) = 2x3 − 3x2 + 4x
P(x) + Q(x) = (2x3 + 5x − 3) + (2x3 − 3x2 + 4x)
2 Group the monomials of the same degree.
P(x) + Q(x) = 2x3 + 2x3 − 3x2 + 5x + 4x − 3
3 Add the similar monomials.
P(x) + Q(x) = 4x3 − 3x2 + 9x − 3
Polynomials can be added by writing them under each other, so that similar monomials that are in the same columns can be added together.
P(x) = 7x4 + 4x2 + 7x + 2 Q(x) = 6x3 + 8x +3
P(x) + Q(x) = 7x4 + 6x3 + 4x2 + 15x + 5
