Polynomials

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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, 4x² + 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 3x² + 2x + 1, the degree is 2.

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What is a monomial?

Back

A monomial is a polynomial with only one term. For example, 5x³ is a monomial.

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What is a binomial?

Back

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

Front

What is a trinomial?

Back

A trinomial is a polynomial with exactly three terms. For example, x² + 5x + 6 is a trinomial.

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How do you add polynomials?

Back

To add polynomials, combine like terms. For example, (2x² + 3x) + (4x² + 5) = 6x² + 3x + 5.

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How do you subtract polynomials?

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To subtract polynomials, distribute the negative sign and then combine like terms. For example, (5x² + 3) - (2x² + 4) = 3x² - 1.

Front

What is a cubic polynomial?

Back

A cubic polynomial is a polynomial of degree 3. For example, x³ - 2x² + 3x - 1 is a cubic polynomial.

Front

What is a coefficient in a polynomial?

Back

A coefficient is a numerical factor in a term of a polynomial. For example, in 4x², 4 is the coefficient.

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What are like terms?

Back

Like terms are terms that have the same variable raised to the same power. For example, 3x² and 5x² are like terms.