This document provides instructions on how to perform the subtraction of polynomials. It defines key terms like minuend, subtrahend, and difference. It then demonstrates the subtraction process through examples, showing how like terms are combined. Readers are encouraged to try a problem on their own to subtract the polynomials (5n3 – 7n2 – 10n + 6) – (6n3 – 8n2 – 4n + 10) and are provided the answer: -n3 + n2 – 14n + 16.

1. SUBTRACTION OF
POLYNOMIALS
BY: MÓNICA ELIZONDO
YANN VILLARREAL

2. OBJECTIVES
• By the end of this lesson you should be able to:
• Perform the subtraction of polynomials
http://www.coolmath.com/prealgebra/15-intro-to-
polynomials/images/04-Polynomials-15.gif

3. LET’S GET STARTED!
• In subtractions we have some terms to learn: minuend, subtrahend and difference
• Minuend: the number that we’re going to subtract from, let’s say m
• Subtrahend: the number that is subtracting, let’s say n
• Difference: the result of the subtraction, let’s say o
• The formula will be: m – n = o, which we can also represent as: m = o + n

4. SOME EXAMPLES
Procedure 1
4x3 – 5x2 + 7x – 6 – (x3 +
2x2 + 9x – 15)
4x3 – 5x2 + 7x – 6 – x3 -
2x2 - 9x + 15
Reducing like terms:
3x2 – 7x2 – 2x + 9
Procedure 2
4x3 – 5x2 + 7x – 6
– x3 - 2x2 - 9x + 15
Solution:
3x2 – 7x2 – 2x + 9
To the polynomial 4x3 – 5x2 + 7x – 6 , subtract the polynomial x3 + 2x2 + 9x – 15

5. NOW TIY (TRY IT YOURSELF)
• Subtract the following: (5n3 – 7n2 – 10n + 6) – (6n3 – 8n2 – 4n + 10)

6. ANSWER
• -n3 + n2 – 14n + 16