Multiplying Polynomials

Front

What is a polynomial?

Back

A polynomial is a mathematical expression consisting of variables (also called indeterminates) raised to non-negative integer powers and coefficients. For example, 2x^2 + 3x - 5 is a polynomial.

Front

What does it mean to multiply polynomials?

Back

Multiplying polynomials involves using the distributive property to multiply each term in one polynomial by each term in another polynomial, then combining like terms.

Front

What is the distributive property?

Back

The distributive property states that a(b + c) = ab + ac. It allows you to multiply a single term by each term in a polynomial.

Front

Multiply: (x + 3)(x + 2)

Back

x^2 + 5x + 6

Front

Multiply: (2x - 1)(3x + 4)

Back

6x^2 + 5x - 4

Front

What are like terms?

Back

Like terms are terms that have the same variable raised to the same power. For example, 3x^2 and 5x^2 are like terms.

Front

Combine like terms: 4x^2 + 3x - 2x^2 + 5x

Back

2x^2 + 8x

Front

What is the degree of a polynomial?

Back

The degree of a polynomial is the highest power of the variable in the polynomial. For example, in 4x^3 + 2x^2 - x, the degree is 3.

Front

Multiply: (x - 5)(x + 1)

Back

x^2 - 4x - 5

Front

What is the result of adding two polynomials?

Back

The result of adding two polynomials is a new polynomial formed by combining like terms from both polynomials.