Constant terms are just that—constant. They do not change or include any variable. In other words, they are numbers without a variable part, including zero-degree terms.
For instance, in the polynomials given:
- \(3x^2 + 1\) contains the constant term \(1\).
- \(2x^2 - 2x + 3\) contains the constant term \(3\).
When performing subtraction or addition of polynomials, it’s crucial to correctly identify and handle constant terms separately.
They behave like terms when solution steps involve them. For example, subtracting constant terms \(1 - 3\) results in \(-2\).
Handling constant terms appropriately is critical in simplifying any polynomial.