Question

Subtract the polynomials: (3x2 + 2x + 4) - (x2 + 2x + 1). Enter your answer as a polynomial in descending order below, and use the caret (^) for exponents. For example, you would write as 4x^2.

Answer 1

Line up the like terms like so

3x^2  +  2x  + 4
x^2    +  2x   + 1

Now subtract straight down
3x^2 - x^2 = 3x^2 - 1x^2 = 2x^2
2x - 2x = 0x = 0
4 - 1 = 3

The results of 2x^2, 0 and 3 are added up to get 2x^2 + 0 + 3 and that turns into 2x^2 + 3

Answer: 2x^2 + 3