Naming/Classifying 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, along with coefficients. For example, 2x^2 + 3x - 5 is a polynomial.

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 the polynomial 4x^3 + 2x^2 - x + 7, the degree is 3.

Front

What is a leading coefficient?

Back

The leading coefficient is the coefficient of the term with the highest degree in a polynomial. For example, in the polynomial 5x^2 - 3x + 6, the leading coefficient is 5.

Front

How do you classify a polynomial by the number of terms?

Back

Polynomials can be classified as monomial (1 term), binomial (2 terms), trinomial (3 terms), or polynomial (more than 3 terms).

Front

What is a monomial?

Back

A monomial is a polynomial with only one term, such as 3x^2 or -5.

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What is a binomial?

Back

A binomial is a polynomial with exactly two terms, such as x + 2 or 3x^2 - 5.

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What is a trinomial?

Back

A trinomial is a polynomial with exactly three terms, such as x^2 + 3x + 2.

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How do you find the degree of a polynomial?

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To find the degree of a polynomial, identify the term with the highest exponent of the variable. The degree is the exponent of that term.

Front

Classify the polynomial: 2x^3 - 4x + 1

Back

Cubic trinomial (degree 3, 3 terms).

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Classify the polynomial: 7x^2

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Quadratic monomial (degree 2, 1 term).