Polynomials: Adding and Subtracting Polynomials

-  Adding polynomials is just a matter of combining like terms, with some order of operations considerations thrown in.
-  Be careful with the minus signs, and don't confuse addition and multiplication!
-  For subtracting polynomials, sometimes you need to use the Distributive Property: ,

Examples:
Example 1.  Simplify the expressions.
Solution: First, use Distributive Property:



Now combine like terms: and
Then:

Example 2.  Add expressions.
Solution: Remove parentheses:


Now combine like terms:

Example 3.  Simplify the expressions.
Solution: First, use Distributive Property:

Now combine like terms and write in standard form: