Polynomial Operations Review

A polynomial is a mathematical expression that consists of variables, coefficients, and non-negative integer exponents, combined using addition, subtraction, and multiplication.

The degree of a polynomial is the highest power of the variable in the expression.

To factor a polynomial, you can look for common factors, use grouping, or apply special factoring formulas like the difference of squares.

The leading coefficient is the coefficient of the term with the highest degree in a polynomial.

The difference of squares formula states that a^2 - b^2 = (a + b)(a - b).

x^2 - 9

The sum of the roots is given by -b/a.

The product of the roots is given by c/a.

(x + 4)(x - 4) - This is an example of the difference of squares.

A binomial is a polynomial with exactly two terms.