Combine two polynomials by choosing addition or subtraction. This tool matches like terms, distributes minus signs, and walks you through every step of the simplification.
3x² + x² = 4x² but 3x² + x ≠ 4x³
Like terms are terms that share the same variable AND the same exponent (degree). Only the numerical coefficients can differ.
For example, 3x² and x² are like terms — both have variable x raised to the power 2. But 3x² and x are not like terms because the exponents differ (2 vs. 1). And 3x² + x does not simplify to 4x³ — you cannot add the exponents when combining like terms.
Constants (terms with no variable) are always like terms with each other.
(a − b + c) − (d + e − f) = a − b + c − d − e + f
When subtracting a polynomial, you must distribute the minus sign to every term inside the second set of parentheses — not just the first term.
Think of it as multiplying the second polynomial by −1: every positive term becomes negative, and every negative term becomes positive. Only after distributing should you group and combine like terms.
One-on-one Algebra 1 tutoring builds the intuition to spot like terms instantly — and keeps you from flipping the wrong sign when subtracting polynomials.