Which example correctly demonstrates polynomial subtraction?

A) (2x^2 + 6x + 1) - (3x^2 + 3x + 9) = x^2 + 3x + 8
B) (2x^2 + 6x + 1) - (3x^2 + 3x + 9) = -5x^2 + 3x - 8
C) 2x^2 + 6x + 1) - (3x^2 + 3x + 9) = 5x^2 + 9x + 10
D) 2x^2 + 6x + 1) - (3x^2 + 3x + 9) = -x^2 + 3x - 8

1 answer

To solve the polynomial subtraction (2x^2 + 6x + 1) - (3x^2 + 3x + 9), we first need to distribute the negative sign across the second polynomial.

So, we start with:

(2x^2 + 6x + 1) - (3x^2 + 3x + 9) = 2x^2 + 6x + 1 - 3x^2 - 3x - 9

Now, we combine like terms:

  1. Combine the x2 terms: 2x23x2=1x2 or x2

  2. Combine the x terms: 6x3x=3x

  3. Combine the constant terms: 19=8

Now, putting it all together, we get:

x2+3x8

Thus, the correct answer is:

D) (2x^2 + 6x + 1) - (3x^2 + 3x + 9) = -x^2 + 3x - 8.