Math

Adding and Subtracting Polynomials Calculator

Add or subtract two quadratics by combining like terms.

P₁ x² coeff

P₁ x coeff

P₁ constant

P₂ x² coeff

P₂ x coeff

P₂ constant

Operation

Calculated Output

x² coefficient 3

x coefficient -2

constant 3

Formula: Combine like terms

Step-by-Step Breakdown

1. Values used:

2. P₁ x² coeff = 2

3. P₁ x coeff = 3

4. P₁ constant = -1

5. P₂ x² coeff = 1

6. P₂ x coeff = -5

7. P₂ constant = 4

9. x² coefficient = 3

10. x coefficient = -2

11. constant = 3

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The math behind it

Line up like terms (x², x, constant) and add or subtract their coefficients separately.

(2x² + 3x − 1) + (x² − 5x + 4) = 3x² − 2x + 3.

Can I add polynomials of different degree?

Yes — treat the missing terms as having a coefficient of 0.