Operations on Polynomials

To add polynomials, combine like terms.

To subtract two polynomials, change the sign of every term of the second polynomial, then combine like terms.

To multiply two polynomials, multiply each term of the first polynomial by each term of the second polynomial, then combine like terms. (Apply the distributive property repeatedly)

Special Products for Multiplying Polynomials: a & b below represent terms, not just numbers.

The FOIL(First Outer Inner Last) Method is used when multiplying two binomials.

(a + b)(c + d) = ac + ad + bc + bd

Squaring a Binomial

(a + b)² = a² +2ab + b²

(a – b)² = a² – 2ab + b²

Product of a Sum & Difference

(a + b)(a – b) = a² – b²