High School

What is the sum of the polynomials?

[tex](7x^3 - 4x^2) + (2x^3 - 4x^2)[/tex]

A. [tex]5x^3[/tex]

B. [tex]9x^3[/tex]

C. [tex]5x^3 - 8x^2[/tex]

D. [tex]9x^3 - 8x^2[/tex]

Answer :

Sure! Let's find the sum of the two polynomials step by step:

You are given two polynomials:

1. [tex]\(7x^3 - 4x^2\)[/tex]
2. [tex]\(2x^3 - 4x^2\)[/tex]

To find the sum of these polynomials, follow these steps:

1. Identify and Combine Like Terms:

- You have terms involving [tex]\(x^3\)[/tex]: [tex]\(7x^3\)[/tex] and [tex]\(2x^3\)[/tex].
- You also have terms involving [tex]\(x^2\)[/tex]: [tex]\(-4x^2\)[/tex] and [tex]\(-4x^2\)[/tex].

2. Add the [tex]\(x^3\)[/tex] Terms:

[tex]\[
7x^3 + 2x^3 = 9x^3
\][/tex]

3. Add the [tex]\(x^2\)[/tex] Terms:

[tex]\[
-4x^2 + (-4x^2) = -8x^2
\][/tex]

4. Write the Resulting Polynomial:

Combining both results, the sum of the polynomials is:

[tex]\[
9x^3 - 8x^2
\][/tex]

So, the sum of the two polynomials is [tex]\(9x^3 - 8x^2\)[/tex].

Hence, the correct option is:
- [tex]\(9x^3 - 8x^2\)[/tex]