Add or subtract, as indicated. See Example 2. (3m^5-3m^2+4) + (-2m^3-m^2+6)

Key Concepts

Polynomial Addition and Subtraction

Polynomial addition and subtraction involve combining like terms from two or more polynomials. Like terms are those that have the same variable raised to the same power. When adding or subtracting, you simply add or subtract the coefficients of these like terms while keeping the variable part unchanged.

Like Terms

Like terms are terms in a polynomial that share the same variable and exponent. For example, in the expression 3m^5 and -2m^5, both terms are like terms because they both contain the variable m raised to the fifth power. Identifying like terms is crucial for simplifying polynomials correctly during addition or subtraction.

Combining Polynomials

Combining polynomials requires careful organization of terms to ensure accurate calculations. When combining, it is helpful to group like terms together before performing the addition or subtraction. This method not only simplifies the process but also helps in avoiding errors, ensuring that the final polynomial is expressed in standard form.