What you’ll learn
Subtract polynomials.
Key idea
Negate all second-polynomial coefficients first, then combine matching powers.
Subtraction negates every second-polynomial term before combining like powers.
Worked example
Enter the exact value or ordered values in the format requested below.
Subtract (2x²-5x+4)-(4x²-6x+2); enter expanded collected polynomial.
- Subtract every signed coefficient of (4x²-6x+2); its negative linear term changes sign.
- Coefficient differences [-2, 1, 2] give -2x²+x+2; inverse condition k-(-6)=1 gives k=-5.
Answer: -2x²+x+2
Quick Check
Evaluate a worked attempt at subtract polynomials, identify the first invalid step, and provide the correction.
Subtract (2x²+2x-4)-(4x²-5x+2): Step 1 correctly gets square coefficient -2. Step 2 leaves the negative second linear coefficient unchanged and reports -2x²-3x-6. Locate the first invalid step and repair the difference.