Polynomial function R is the difference of two degree-2 polynomial functions P and Q. What are the possible degrees of R? Explain.

D. The possible degrees are 0, 1, and 2 because it cannot be higher than the degree of either P or Q but it can be less depending on which terms cancel.

Step-by-step explanation:

The possible degrees are 0, 1, and 2. Let's explain why by assuming the following is given:

P = 6x² - 3x - 2

Q = 3x² + 2x - 6

Let R = P - Q

Thus:

(6x² - 3x - 2) - (3x² + 2x - 6)

Open parentheses by distributing the factor of -1

6x² - 3x - 2 - 3x² - 2x + 6

Add like terms together

6x² - 3x² - 3x - 2x - 2 + 6

R = 3x² - 5x + 4

The leading term of R has a degree of 2. Therefore, the difference of two degree-2 polynomial functions P and Q can give us a a polynomial function of R with a degree of 2.

Also, let us assume the following:

P = 4x² + 4x - 3

Q = 4x² + x - 8

Let R = P - Q

R = (4x² + 4x - 3) - (4x² + x - 8)

R = 4x² + 4x - 3 - 4x² - x + 8

Collect like terms

R = 4x² - 4x² + 4x - x - 3 + 8

R = 4x + 5 (4x² cancels 4x²)

The leading term of R has a degree of 1. Therefore, the difference of two degree-2 polynomial functions P and Q can give us a a polynomial function of R with a degree of 1.

Also, let us assume the following:

P = x² + 2x - 3

Q = x² + 2x - 8

Let R = P - Q

R = (x² + 2x - 3) - (x² + 2x - 8)

R = x² + 2x - 3 - x² - 2x + 8

Collect like terms

R = x² - x² + 2x - 2x - 3 + 8

R = 5 (x² cancels x², and 2x cancels 2x)

The polynomial R has a degree of 0. Therefore, the difference of two degree-2 polynomial functions P and Q can give us a a polynomial function of R with a degree of 0.

Therefore we can conclude that:

D. The possible degrees are 0, 1, and 2 because it cannot be higher than the degree of either P or Q but it can be less depending on which terms cancel.

false

step-by-step explanation:

i looked it up

5x+40

5(x + 8)

7x - 49

7(x - 7)

18x + 9

9(2x + 1)

15x - 10

5(3x - 2)

step-by-step explanation:

for number one all you have to do is factor 5 out of 5x + 40

for number 2 factor 7 out of 7x - 49

for number three factor 9 out of 18x + 9

for number four factor 5 out of 15x - 10