How to Adding Polynomials?

The numerical part of a monomial is called the coefficient.

For example, the coefficient of 5x is 5. The coefficient of -7a²b³ is -7.

Like terms are monomials in which only the coefficients are different.

For example, 3xy and -8xy are like terms, but 9x2 and 9x are not like terms.

To add polynomials, combine like terms. Add only the coefficients.

Example 1: Evaluate (x² + 4x - 2) + (7x² - 5x + 8).

(x² + 4x - 2) + (7x² - 5x + 8)
= x² + 7x² + 4x - 5x - 2 + 8
= 8x² - 1x + 6
= 8x² - x + 6

Example 2: Evaluate (y² + 5y - 5xy) + (4x² - 3y² + 7xy).

(y² + 5y - 5xy) + (4x² - 3y² + 7xy)
= y² - 3y² + 5y - 5xy + 7xy + 4x²
= -2y² + 5y + 2xy + 4x²