In Exercises 41–50, subtract the polynomials. Assume that all variable exponents represent whole numbers.(7y²ⁿ + yⁿ − 4) − (6y²ⁿ − yⁿ − 1)
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Identify the polynomials to be subtracted: (7y^{2n} + y^n - 4) and (6y^{2n} - y^n - 1).
Distribute the negative sign across the second polynomial: -(6y^{2n} - y^n - 1) becomes -6y^{2n} + y^n + 1.
Combine like terms by subtracting the coefficients of the same power of y: (7y^{2n} - 6y^{2n}) for the y^{2n} terms.
Combine like terms for the y^n terms: (y^n + y^n).
Combine the constant terms: (-4 + 1).
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Polynomials
Polynomials are algebraic expressions that consist of variables raised to whole number exponents, combined using addition, subtraction, and multiplication. Each term in a polynomial is made up of a coefficient and a variable part. Understanding the structure of polynomials is essential for performing operations like addition and subtraction.
Subtracting polynomials involves distributing the negative sign across the terms of the polynomial being subtracted and then combining like terms. This process requires careful attention to the signs of each term to ensure accuracy. Mastery of this operation is crucial for simplifying expressions and solving polynomial equations.
Combining like terms is the process of adding or subtracting terms in a polynomial that have the same variable part and exponent. This simplification is key to reducing polynomials to their simplest form. Recognizing like terms is essential for effective polynomial manipulation and solving algebraic expressions.