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Generate algebra practice that combines like terms, multiplies binomials, or evaluates a polynomial at a given x-value.

What is a polynomial? How do you add polynomials? ↓

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Math Practice

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Answer key

What is a polynomial?

A polynomial adds or subtracts terms built from numbers and nonnegative whole-number powers of a variable. For example, 2x² + 3x − 4 is a polynomial. Terms with the same power of x are like terms.

How do you add polynomials?

  1. Group like terms

    Put x² terms with x² terms, x terms with x terms, and constants with constants.

  2. Add the coefficients

    Keep the variable and its exponent; add only the numbers multiplying matching terms.

  3. Write the result in order

    Present x² terms first, followed by x terms and then constants.

Worked example: add two polynomials

(2x² + 3x − 4) + (x² − 5x + 1) has 2x² + x² = 3x², 3x − 5x = −2x, and −4 + 1 = −3. The result is 3x² − 2x − 3.

Choose a polynomial skill

Add polynomials

Combine coefficients of matching powers. For (2x² + x) + (x² − 3x), the result is 3x² − 2x.

Multiply binomials

Distribute each term. For (x + 2)(x + 3), multiply the x terms and constants to get x² + 5x + 6.

Evaluate at a value

Replace x with the stated number before calculating. If P(x) = x² + 3, then P(2) = 7.

Review the answer sheet

Compare each term

Answers are combined and written in descending powers of x. Negative results and missing powers appear only when the calculation produces them.

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