Subtraction of Polynomials

Subtraction of polynomials can be solved in two methods.

Follow the following steps to solve in the first method:

(i) Enclose the part of the expression to be subtracted in parentheses with a negative (-) sign prefixed

(ii) Remove the parentheses by changing the sign of each term of the polynomial expression which is in the parentheses.

(iii) Arrange the like terms.

(iv) Finally add the like terms to find the required subtraction.

For example:

1. Subtract: 2x - 5y + 3z from 5x + 9y - 2z.

First we need to enclose the first part which is to be subtracted in parentheses with a negative (-) sign prefixed.

5x + 9y - 2z – (2x - 5y + 3z)

Now we need to remove the parentheses by changing the sign of each term which is in the parentheses.

= 5x + 9y - 2z – 2x + 5y - 3z

= 5x – 2x + 9y + 5y - 2z - 3z, by arranging the like terms.

= 3x + 14y - 5z


2. Subtract: -6x2 - 8y3 + 15z from x2 – y3 + z.

First we need to enclose the first part which is to be subtracted in parentheses with a negative (-) sign prefixed.

x2 - y3 + z – (-6x2 - 8y3 + 15z)

Now we need to remove the parentheses by changing the sign of each term which is in the parentheses.

= x2 - y3 + z + 6x2 + 8y3 - 15z

= x2 + 6x2 - y3 + 8y3 + z - 15z, by arranging the like terms.

= 7x2 + 7y3 - 14z

Follow the following steps to solve the subtraction of polynomials in the second method:

Re-write the given expressions in two lines such that the lower line is the expression to be subtracted and like terms of both the expressions are one below the other.

Change the sign of each term in the lower line i.e. change the sign of each term of the expression to be subtracted.

Combine the terms column-wise with new signs assigned to the terms of lower line.  

For example:

1. Subtract: x – 4y – 2z from 7x – 3y + 6z

First we will arrange the expressions in two lines such that the lower line of the expression is to be subtracted from the other, placing the like terms in the same column one below the other.

Subtraction of Polynomials

Now by changing the sign (positive becomes negative and negative becomes positive) of each term in the lower line i.e. change the sign of each term of the expression to be subtracted (x – 4y – 2z).

Therefore, the required answer is 6x +   y + 8z.


2. Subtract: 3a3 + 5a2 – 7a + 10 from 6a3 - 8a2 + a + 10

First we will arrange the expressions in two lines such that the lower line of the expression is to be subtracted from the other, placing the like terms in the same column one below the other.

Polynomials Subtraction

Now by changing the sign (positive becomes negative and negative becomes positive) of each term in the lower line i.e. change the sign of each term of the expression to be subtracted (3a3 + 5a2 – 7a + 10).
Therefore, the required answer is 3a3 - 13a2 + 8a.

Thus, we have learnt how to solve subtraction of polynomials in both the methods.

Terms of an Algebraic Expression

Types of Algebraic Expressions

Degree of a Polynomial

Addition of Polynomials

Subtraction of Polynomials

Power of Literal Quantities

Multiplication of Two Monomials

Multiplication of Polynomial by Monomial

Multiplication of two Binomials

Division of Monomials







6th Grade Math Practice

From Subtraction of Polynomials to HOME PAGE




Didn't find what you were looking for? Or want to know more information about Math Only Math. Use this Google Search to find what you need.



New! Comments

Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below. Ask a Question or Answer a Question.




Share this page: What’s this?

Recent Articles

  1. 2nd grade math Worksheets | Free Math Worksheets | By Grade and Topic

    Nov 20, 24 01:00 PM

    2nd Grade Math Worksheet
    2nd grade math worksheets is carefully planned and thoughtfully presented on mathematics for the students.

    Read More

  2. 2nd Grade Measurement Worksheet | Measuring Length, Mass and Volume

    Nov 20, 24 12:50 AM

    In 2nd Grade Measurement Worksheet you will get different types of questions on measurement of length, measurement of weight (mass), measurement of capacity (volume), addition of length, addition of w…

    Read More

  3. 2nd Grade Fractions Worksheet | Basic Concept of Fractions | Answers

    Nov 20, 24 12:16 AM

    Divide the Collection into 4 Equal Parts
    In 2nd Grade Fractions Worksheet we will solve different types of problems on fractions, one-whole, one-half, one-third, one-fourth, three-fourth or s quarter. In a fraction, it is important that the…

    Read More

  4. 2nd Grade Math Practice | Second Grade Math |2nd Grade Math Worksheets

    Nov 18, 24 02:23 PM

    In 2nd grade math practice you will get all types of examples on different topics along with the solutions. Second grade math games are arranged in such a way that students can learn math

    Read More

  5. Worksheet on Addition of Length | Word Problems on Addition of Length

    Nov 17, 24 10:29 PM

    Practice the third grade math worksheet on addition of length. This sheet provides different types of questions where you need to arrange the values of length under different columns to find their sum

    Read More

Terms of an Algebraic Expression - Worksheet

Worksheet on Types of Algebraic Expressions

Worksheet on Degree of a Polynomial

Worksheet on Addition of Polynomials

Worksheet on Subtraction of Polynomials

Worksheet on Addition and Subtraction of Polynomials

Worksheet on Adding and Subtracting Polynomials

Worksheet on Multiplying Monomials

Worksheet on Multiplying Monomial and Binomial

Worksheet on Multiplying Monomial and Polynomial

Worksheet on Multiplying Binomials

Worksheet on Dividing Monomials