SOLUTION: Hi, my name is Bria. I am in 8th grade and right now I am working on Polynomials in Algebra 1. I know how to do them, but I don't know what one of my problems mean. The polynomial

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: Hi, my name is Bria. I am in 8th grade and right now I am working on Polynomials in Algebra 1. I know how to do them, but I don't know what one of my problems mean. The polynomial       Log On


   

Question 861099: Hi, my name is Bria. I am in 8th grade and right now I am working on Polynomials in Algebra 1. I know how to do them, but I don't know what one of my problems mean. The polynomial used for this problem is 3 + 4x^2 - 5x + 3/4x^5 - 17x^2 + x^4. I have put it in normal form: 3/4x^5 + x^4 - 13x^2 - 5x + 3. The problem now tells me to 'Find a polynomial that when added to this one gives a sum of degree 3,' but I don't know what that means. Can you please explain this to me and tell me how to solve this problem? Thanks.
Answer by josgarithmetic(39617) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The directions for the problem means, Find what is p, just a chosen variable, so that highlight_green%28p%2B%283%2F4%29x%5E5%2Bx%5E4-13x%5E2-5x%2B3=k%2Ax%5E3%29.
Solve for p.
The directions do not contain more information about the term of degree three, so k could be any real number you choose. JUST solve for p; and you will have your result. You need to be able to use additive inverses, a very typical skill in basic algebra.