How to Add Polynomials to Find Perimeter

The sides of two-dimensional figures are sometimes considered polynomials. This article contains instructions for calculating the perimeter of such polygons.

Related Topics

• How to Add and Subtract Polynomials?
• How to Find the Perimeter of Polygons?

A step-by-step guide to Add Polynomials to Find Perimeter

When the sides of a polygon are given in the polynomial form, you must add the polynomials together to calculate the perimeter of these shapes. To add polynomials, find like terms and add them together.

Adding Polynomials to Find Perimeter -Example 1

If each side of a square is \(2x+3\), what is the perimeter of the square?

Solution:

The perimeter of the square is: Perimeter\(=4(2x+3)\)

Expand the expression and simplify: Perimeter\(=4(2x+3)=8x+12\)

Adding Polynomials to Find Perimeter -Example 2

Find the perimeter. Simplify your answer.

Solution:

The perimeter of the shape is the sum of the sides. So,

Perimeter\(=(2x-1)+(3x)+(5x)+(4x-2)=2x-1+3x+5x+4x-2\)

Group and add like terms,

Perimeter\(=(2x+3x+5x+4x)+(-1-2)=14x-3\)

Exercises for Add Polynomials to Find Perimeter

1. If each side of a square is \(3x-4\), what is the perimeter of the square?
2. What is the perimeter of a rectangle if the length is \(3x^2-5\) and the width is \(3x+3\)?

1. \(\color{blue}{12x-16}\)
2. \(\color{blue}{6x^2+6x-4}\)