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 add polynomials?

Back

Adding polynomials involves combining like terms, which are terms that have the same variable raised to the same power.

Front

What does it mean to subtract polynomials?

Back

Subtracting polynomials involves distributing the negative sign across the polynomial being subtracted and then combining like terms.

Front

What are like terms?

Back

Like terms are terms in a polynomial that have the same variable raised to the same power. For example, 3x^2 and 5x^2 are like terms.

Front

How do you simplify the expression (4n^4 - 8n + 4) - (8n^2 + 4n^4 + 1)?

Back

Combine like terms: (4n^4 - 4n^4) + (-8n - 0) + (4 - 1) = -8n^2 - 8n + 3.

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 -2x^5 + 3x - 1, the leading coefficient is -2.

Front

What is a trinomial?

Back

A trinomial is a polynomial with exactly three terms. For example, 2x^2 + 3x + 1 is a trinomial.

Front

What is a binomial?

Back

A binomial is a polynomial with exactly two terms. For example, 3x + 5 is a binomial.

Front

What is a monomial?

Back

A monomial is a polynomial with exactly one term. For example, 4x^3 is a monomial.

Front

How do you classify the polynomial 3x^3 - 6x?

Back

It is classified as a binomial because it has two terms.