Polynomial Operations

Front

What is a polynomial?

Back

A polynomial is a mathematical expression consisting of variables (also called indeterminates) raised to non-negative integer powers, along with coefficients. For example, 2x^2 + 3x + 1 is a polynomial.

Front

What are the degrees of polynomials?

Back

The degree of a polynomial is the highest power of the variable in the expression. For example, in the polynomial 4x^3 + 2x^2 - x + 7, the degree is 3.

Front

How do you add polynomials?

Back

To add polynomials, combine like terms (terms with the same variable and exponent). For example, (2x^2 + 3x) + (4x^2 + 5) = 6x^2 + 3x + 5.

Front

How do you subtract polynomials?

Back

To subtract polynomials, distribute the negative sign and then combine like terms. For example, (3x^2 + 4) - (x^2 + 2) = 2x^2 + 2.

Front

What is the product of two polynomials?

Back

The product of two polynomials is found by using the distributive property (also known as the FOIL method for binomials). For example, (x + 2)(x + 3) = x^2 + 5x + 6.

Front

What is the difference between a monomial and a polynomial?

Back

A monomial is a polynomial with only one term, while a polynomial can have multiple terms. For example, 3x is a monomial, while 3x + 2 is a polynomial.

Front

What is the standard form of a polynomial?

Back

The standard form of a polynomial is when the terms are arranged in descending order of their degrees. For example, 4x^3 + 2x^2 - x + 5 is in standard form.

Front

What is the leading coefficient of a polynomial?

Back

The leading coefficient is the coefficient of the term with the highest degree in a polynomial. For example, in 5x^4 + 3x^2 - 2, the leading coefficient is 5.

Front

How do you multiply a polynomial by a monomial?

Back

To multiply a polynomial by a monomial, distribute the monomial to each term of the polynomial. For example, 3x(2x^2 + x - 4) = 6x^3 + 3x^2 - 12x.

Front

What is the zero product property?

Back

The zero product property states that if the product of two factors is zero, then at least one of the factors must be zero. For example, if (x - 3)(x + 2) = 0, then x - 3 = 0 or x + 2 = 0.