# Math Help - Give an example of two polynomials

1. ## Give an example of two polynomials

Give an example of two polynomials of degree 9 whose sum has degree 4. I have no clue where to start with this. I don't know if I am supposed to make the factors cancel out.

2. ## Re: Give an example of two polynomials

Originally Posted by Eraser147
Give an example of two polynomials of degree 9 whose sum has degree 4. I have no clue where to start with this. I don't know if I am supposed to make the factors cancel out.
$p(x)=x^9+x^4,\;q(x)=-x^9+x^4$ .

3. ## Re: Give an example of two polynomials

it was really just that simple?

4. ## Re: Give an example of two polynomials

Originally Posted by Eraser147
it was really just that simple?
Yes, very simple.

5. ## Re: Give an example of two polynomials

That satisfies all the conditions doesn't it? If you want to be more complicated, make up any two 9th degree polynomials such that, when you add, all terms with power greater than 4 cancel but the terms with power 4 do not.

Your misunderstanding may have to do with thinking that factors have to cancel. That won't happen when you are adding polynomials.

6. ## Re: Give an example of two polynomials

Well, thanks guys.