1. Subtraction of Polynomials
Recall the definition of like terms:
Two terms are considered like terms if they:
1) are both constants, or
2) have the same variables with the same exponents on corresponding variables
The concept of like terms is important, since only like terms can be subtracted.

2. Subtracting polynomials is just like subtracting integers.
negative 5 minus a positive 8
add the opposite
negative 5 plus a negative 8

3. When subtracting polynomials, write the first polynomial plus the opposite of the second polynomial.
To find the opposite of a polynomial, change the sign of every term in the polynomial.
This is the same as multiplying the polynomial by (-1)

4. Example 1:
Find the opposite of the polynomial:
Method 1: change all the signs. The opposite is:
Method 2: multiply by (-1):

5. Example 2:
Subtract:
subtracting a positive 6x
add the opposite

6. Example 3:
Subtract:
Since these are not like terms, they cannot be combined or subtracted.

7. Example 4:
Since both terms have the same variables, with the same exponents on corresponding variables, they are Like Terms.

8. Example 5:
Subtract:
Add the opposite

9. END OF PRESENTATION