Answer:
[tex]2x^2+ 8x -12[/tex]
Step-by-step explanation:
Given
[tex]P = 3x^2 + 8x - 16[/tex]
[tex]Result = x^2 - 4[/tex]
Required
The quantity subtracted
Let the subtracted quantity be Q. So, we have:
[tex]P - Q = Result[/tex]
[tex]3x^2 + 8x - 16 - Q = x^2 - 4[/tex]
Collect like terms
[tex]Q = 3x^2 - x^2+ 8x - 16 + 4[/tex]
[tex]Q = 2x^2+ 8x -12[/tex]
The quantity subtracted is: [tex]2x^2+ 8x -12[/tex]