What you’ll learn
Add polynomials.
Key idea
Add signed coefficients without changing powers or dropping negative signs.
Combine same-power signed coefficients, preserving all terms; do not erase a negative second linear term.
Worked example
Enter the exact value or ordered values in the format requested below.
Add (2x²-5x+4)+(4x²-6x+2); enter expanded collected polynomial.
- Match powers: coefficient sums 2+4, -5+(-6), 4+2.
- Collected sum 6x²-11x+6; the second linear term retains its negative sign. Inverse linear condition k+(-6)=-11 gives k=-5.
Answer: 6x²-11x+6
Quick Check
Evaluate a worked attempt at add polynomials, identify the first invalid step, and provide the correction.
Add (2x²+2x-4)+(4x²-5x+2): Step 1 combines square terms to 6x². Step 2 treats second linear coefficient -5 as positive and reports 6x²+7x-2. Locate the first invalid step and correct the sum.