To determine which example correctly demonstrates polynomial subtraction, let's perform the subtraction of the polynomials step by step.
We start with the expression:
\[ (2x^2 + 6x + 1) - (3x^2 + 3x + 9) \]
When we distribute the negative sign across the second polynomial, we get:
\[ 2x^2 + 6x + 1 - 3x^2 - 3x - 9 \]
Now, we combine like terms:
- For the \(x^2\) terms: \(2x^2 - 3x^2 = -x^2\)
- For the \(x\) terms: \(6x - 3x = 3x\)
- For the constant terms: \(1 - 9 = -8\)
Putting it all together:
\[ -x^2 + 3x - 8 \]
Now let's compare this result with the provided options:
- First option: \(-5x^2 + 3x - 8\) (incorrect)
- Second option: \(x^2 + 3x + 8\) (incorrect)
- Third option: \(5x^2 + 9x + 10\) (incorrect)
- Fourth option: \(-x^2 + 3x - 8\) (correct)
Thus, the correct example that demonstrates polynomial subtraction is:
\((2x^2 + 6x + 1) - (3x^2 + 3x + 9) = -x^2 + 3x - 8\).