Given the functions j(x) = x2 + 3 and k(x) = x2 − x + 4, which operation results in a 2nd degree polynomial?

a) addition

b) subtraction

c) multiplication

d) no operations

Addition is the correct answer.

x^2 is the part where you get the second degree term. If you add x^2+x^2 you get 2x^2. If you subtract x^2-x^2 you get 0. If you multiply x^2*x^2 you get x^4, which is a fourth degree term