Subtracting Polynomials Practice Test

About This "Subtracting Polynomials Practice Test"

This test emphasizes the central difficulty in polynomial subtraction: distributing one negative sign across an entire polynomial.

"Like terms, missing powers, several variables, coefficient matching, degree after cancellation, function differences, area, revenue, and cost."

Skills Covered

Like terms, missing powers, several variables, coefficient matching, degree after cancellation, function differences, area, revenue, and cost.

Key Ideas

1. Subtract the entire second polynomial.
2. Change every sign in the second set of parentheses.
3. Combine only like powers and variables.
4. Leading terms may cancel and change the degree.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not reverse only the first sign of the second polynomial or combine terms with different powers.

Practice Format

Each question has four answer choices. The explanation shows the method, completes the work, states the conclusion, and explains why every distractor is incorrect.