How do you add or subtract polynomials?

Question

(2X²-5X-1)+(3X²-7X+3)+(-5X²+X+1) =

Answer 1

Since each section is separated by a plus sign, all you need to do is line up your like terms and add their coefficients... 2x^2 - 5x - 1 3x^2 - 7x + 3 -5x^2 + x + 1 --------------- Combine: (2 + 3 - 5) = 0 Combine: (-5 -7 + 1) = -11 Combine: ( -1 + 3 + 1) = 3 Final Answer: -11x + 3