When adding or subtacting polynomials, what is very important to remember? PLEASE HELP

You only add or subtract like terms.

There could be many answers to this question...if subtraction remember to distribute the negative to every term of the polynomial. Also, remember to only combine like terms. If it is an addition problem, the parenthesis can be ignored due to the associative property.

When adding or subtracting polynomials, it is crucial to remember two main things:

1. Combine like terms: Like terms are terms that have the same variable(s) raised to the same powers. For example, 2x and 5x are like terms because they both have the variable x raised to the power of 1. To add or subtract polynomials, you need to combine the coefficients (numbers) of the like terms while keeping the variables and their exponents the same.

2. Maintain the order of the terms: Polynomials are written with terms arranged in a specific order, usually in descending order of the variable's exponent. It is important to maintain this order when adding or subtracting polynomials. Keep the highest degree term first, followed by the next highest, and so on.

To add or subtract polynomials, follow these steps:

1. Line up like terms vertically: Write down the polynomials one below the other, making sure to align like terms vertically.

2. Combine like terms: For each column of like terms, add or subtract the coefficients (numbers) while keeping the variables and their exponents the same.

3. Write down the result: After combining all the like terms, write down the resulting polynomial by placing the combined coefficients in front of each set of like terms. Make sure to maintain the order of the terms from the original polynomials.

Remember to simplify the resulting polynomial by combining any further like terms, if possible.

By following these steps, you can effectively add or subtract polynomials while keeping track of all the necessary details.