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 aligning like terms, which are terms that have the same variable raised to the same power. The coefficients of these like terms are then combined by performing the subtraction operation. Understanding how to properly align and combine these terms is crucial for accurate polynomial manipulation.
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Like Terms
Like terms are terms in a polynomial that share the same variable components raised to the same powers. For example, in the expression 3a²b and -5a²b, both terms are like terms because they both contain the variables a and b raised to the same powers. Identifying and combining like terms is essential for simplifying polynomials and performing operations such as addition and subtraction.
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Distributive Property
The distributive property is a fundamental algebraic principle that states a(b + c) = ab + ac. This property is often used when dealing with polynomials, especially when subtracting or adding them. It allows for the distribution of coefficients across terms, ensuring that each term in the polynomial is accounted for during operations. Mastery of this property is vital for simplifying expressions and solving algebraic equations.
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