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, 3x^2 + 2x - 5 is a polynomial.

Front

What does it mean to multiply polynomials?

Back

Multiplying polynomials involves using the distributive property to combine each term in one polynomial with each term in another polynomial.

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

Simplify: (3x^4 + 2x - 4x^2) + (5x^2 - 8x + 6x^4)

Back

9x^4 + x^2 - 6x.

Front

Multiply: (4x + 1)(5x - 2)

Back

20x^2 - 3x - 2.

Front

Multiply: (x + 5)(x + 4)

Back

x^2 + 9x + 20.

Front

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

Back

x^2 - 4x - 5.

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

What is a binomial?

Back

A binomial is a polynomial that contains exactly two terms. For example, 3x + 4 is a binomial.

Front

What is a trinomial?

Back

A trinomial is a polynomial that contains exactly three terms. For example, x^2 + 5x + 6 is a trinomial.