Given the functions j(x) = x2 − 9 and k(x) = −x2 + 7x − 1, which operation results in a 3rd degree polynomial?

addition
subtraction
multiplication
no operations

The degree of a polynomial is dictated by its highest power from any term. Both individual polynomials are second degree polynomials. Adding both of them will give us a first degree polynomial. Subtracting both equation will give us unchanged degree of polynomial. Multiplying and dividing will give us a fourth degree of polynomial and a first degree polynomial, respectively. Thus, the answer would be "No operations"