Question

A very simple question and a basic doubt

Answer 1

Okay the question was this:

While doing an addition of two polynomials, Adam mistook “add the polynomial
\(2x^2 + x + 1\)” as “subtract \(2x^2 + x + 1\)”, and hence his result was
\(5x^2 - 2x + 4\). Find the correct answer.

I assumed, \(P(x) = 2x^2 + x + 1\) to be one polynomial and the other to be Q(x).

Now, I just want to know this does the question say :

\(Q(x) - P(x) = 5x^2 - 2x + 4\)

or

\(|P(x) - Q(x)| = 5x^2 - 2x + 4\)

Answer 2

The second one will lead to 2 solutions of Q(x) with one of them same as the first one.

Answer 3

No you're misunderstanding. Let me explain what they are telling you, ok?

Answer 4

Ok

Answer 5

They are telling you that he used subtraction to get the answer 5x^2 -2x +4 instead of addition. Give me a sec to figure out how to word this and find the correct answer. I have to work it out first so I can take you step by step. Ok?

Answer 6

Ok

Answer 7

I just want to know is the order of subtraction of polynomials given in the question?
It can be like subtract P from Q as well as subtract P and Q.

Answer 8

You are not looking for the polynomial he accidentally subtracted FROM as your answer? I thought you were.

Answer 9

No I think he is looking P + Q

Answer 10

I think you are. Find the correct answer is what you are told to do with this. To me that means you need to find the polynomial he subtracted from and then add it instead. Re-read it and reconsider. He is looking for P + Q, but I think you need to find Q.

Answer 11

Are you adding and subtracting polynomials in your lesson right now?

Answer 12

Yu are right about that.

Answer 13

I'm right about what?

Answer 14

Nope I was just looking through some book and found out this question

Answer 15

You are right about finding Q first

Answer 16

Ok, so do you know how to do that?

Answer 17

I am well above polynomials and algebra.

Answer 18

I kinda thought so with your SmartsScore being so high! : )

Answer 19

I know the method. But, I just want to know should I assume that he has given me

Q-P or |Q-P|

Answer 20

I think it is Q - P. That's just my opinion due to the nature of the question.

Answer 21

Both are different things and thus give me different answers.

Answer 22

Well your opinion does match the correct answer :)

Answer 23

What I did was work backwards. I put 5x^2 - 2x + 4 under a result line so it was the answer to the problem, then right above it I put the 2x^2 +x + 1 then I changed the - sign to a positive and changed all the signs of that polynomial so it read -2x^2 -x -1 and worked backwards to find what plus a -2x^2 -x -1 would give me 5x^2 -2x +4. I came out with this