Learn on PengiBig Ideas Math, Algebra 2Chapter 4: Polynomial Functions

Lesson 2: Adding, Subtracting, and Multiplying Polynomials

In this Grade 8 lesson from Big Ideas Math Algebra 2, Chapter 4, students learn how to add, subtract, and multiply polynomials by combining like terms and applying the distributive property. The lesson also covers using Pascal's Triangle to expand binomials and introduces the concept of cubing a binomial using patterns for coefficients and exponents. Students practice both vertical and horizontal formats for polynomial operations, building fluency with standard form and closed sets.

Section 1

Add and Subtract Polynomials

Property

To add or subtract polynomials, combine like terms. Like terms are monomials that have the same variables with the same exponents. The Commutative Property allows rearranging terms to group like terms together. When subtracting polynomials, be careful to distribute the negative sign to every term in the polynomial being subtracted.

Examples

  • To find the sum: (3x2+5x2)+(x22x+7)=(3x2+x2)+(5x2x)+(2+7)=4x2+3x+5(3x^2 + 5x - 2) + (x^2 - 2x + 7) = (3x^2 + x^2) + (5x - 2x) + (-2 + 7) = 4x^2 + 3x + 5.
  • To find the difference: (8a24a+1)(3a2a5)=8a24a+13a2+a+5=5a23a+6(8a^2 - 4a + 1) - (3a^2 - a - 5) = 8a^2 - 4a + 1 - 3a^2 + a + 5 = 5a^2 - 3a + 6.

Section 2

Products of polynomials

Property

To find the product of two polynomials, multiply each term of the first polynomial by each term of the second polynomial, then combine any like terms.

If a product contains a monomial factor, it is a good idea to multiply the polynomial factors together first, and save the monomial factor for last.

Examples

  • To multiply (x+5)(2x2x3)(x+5)(2x^2-x-3), we distribute term by term: x(2x2x3)+5(2x2x3)=2x3x23x+10x25x15=2x3+9x28x15x(2x^2-x-3) + 5(2x^2-x-3) = 2x^3-x^2-3x+10x^2-5x-15 = 2x^3+9x^2-8x-15.

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Chapter 4: Polynomial Functions

  1. Lesson 1

    Lesson 1: Graphing Polynomial Functions

  2. Lesson 2Current

    Lesson 2: Adding, Subtracting, and Multiplying Polynomials

  3. Lesson 3

    Lesson 4: Factoring Polynomials

  4. Lesson 4

    Lesson 5: Solving Polynomial Equations

  5. Lesson 5

    Lesson 6: The Fundamental Theorem of Algebra

  6. Lesson 6

    Lesson 7: Transformations of Polynomial Functions

  7. Lesson 7

    Lesson 8: Analyzing Graphs of Polynomial Functions

  8. Lesson 8

    Lesson 9: Modeling with Polynomial Functions

Lesson overview

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Section 1

Add and Subtract Polynomials

Property

To add or subtract polynomials, combine like terms. Like terms are monomials that have the same variables with the same exponents. The Commutative Property allows rearranging terms to group like terms together. When subtracting polynomials, be careful to distribute the negative sign to every term in the polynomial being subtracted.

Examples

  • To find the sum: (3x2+5x2)+(x22x+7)=(3x2+x2)+(5x2x)+(2+7)=4x2+3x+5(3x^2 + 5x - 2) + (x^2 - 2x + 7) = (3x^2 + x^2) + (5x - 2x) + (-2 + 7) = 4x^2 + 3x + 5.
  • To find the difference: (8a24a+1)(3a2a5)=8a24a+13a2+a+5=5a23a+6(8a^2 - 4a + 1) - (3a^2 - a - 5) = 8a^2 - 4a + 1 - 3a^2 + a + 5 = 5a^2 - 3a + 6.

Section 2

Products of polynomials

Property

To find the product of two polynomials, multiply each term of the first polynomial by each term of the second polynomial, then combine any like terms.

If a product contains a monomial factor, it is a good idea to multiply the polynomial factors together first, and save the monomial factor for last.

Examples

  • To multiply (x+5)(2x2x3)(x+5)(2x^2-x-3), we distribute term by term: x(2x2x3)+5(2x2x3)=2x3x23x+10x25x15=2x3+9x28x15x(2x^2-x-3) + 5(2x^2-x-3) = 2x^3-x^2-3x+10x^2-5x-15 = 2x^3+9x^2-8x-15.

Book overview

Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.

Continue this chapter

Chapter 4: Polynomial Functions

  1. Lesson 1

    Lesson 1: Graphing Polynomial Functions

  2. Lesson 2Current

    Lesson 2: Adding, Subtracting, and Multiplying Polynomials

  3. Lesson 3

    Lesson 4: Factoring Polynomials

  4. Lesson 4

    Lesson 5: Solving Polynomial Equations

  5. Lesson 5

    Lesson 6: The Fundamental Theorem of Algebra

  6. Lesson 6

    Lesson 7: Transformations of Polynomial Functions

  7. Lesson 7

    Lesson 8: Analyzing Graphs of Polynomial Functions

  8. Lesson 8

    Lesson 9: Modeling with Polynomial Functions