Add $ \, \color{blue}{ -16x+3 } \, $ and $ \, \color{orangered}{ 2x+3x-8 }$.

$$ \left( \color{blue}{-16x+3} \right) + \left( \color{orangered}{2x+3x-8} \right) = -11x-5 $$

Step 1: First we have to write polynomials in descending order.

$$ \begin{aligned} P(x) &= -16x+3 \\ Q(x) &= 5x-8 \\ \end{aligned} $$

Step 2: Write second polynomial below the first one. Making sure like terms are lined up.

$$ \begin{array}{lrr} & -16x & 3 \\ \color{blue}{ + } & 5x & -8 \\ \hline \end{array} $$

Step 3: Combine like terms (add each column):

$$ \begin{array}{lrr} & -16x & 3 \\ \color{blue}{ + } & 5x & -8 \\ \hline & -11x & -5 \end{array} $$

Polynomial Operations Calculator