Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Polynomial Subtraction
Polynomial subtraction involves taking one polynomial and subtracting another from it. This process requires distributing the negative sign across the second polynomial, effectively changing the signs of its terms before combining like terms. Understanding how to align and combine these terms is crucial for accurate results.
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Like Terms
Like terms are terms in a polynomial that have the same variable raised to the same power. For example, in the expression 3x² and 5x², both terms are like terms because they share the same variable and exponent. Identifying and combining like terms is essential for simplifying polynomials correctly.
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Exponents and Variables
Exponents indicate how many times a variable is multiplied by itself, and they play a critical role in polynomial expressions. In the context of the given problem, understanding that all variable exponents represent whole numbers ensures that operations are performed correctly, particularly when combining or subtracting terms with different exponents.
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