Final answer:
To subtract the polynomials, line up the like terms and subtract.
Step-by-step explanation:
To subtract the polynomials 5x^2 - 6x + 7 - (8x^2 + 7x - 7) using a vertical format, we can line up the like terms under each other and then subtract:
5x^2 - 6x + 7
-(8x^2 + 7x - 7)
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-3x^2 - 13x + 14
The answer is -3x^2 - 13x + 14.