Polynomials

Front

What is a polynomial?

Back

A polynomial is a mathematical expression that consists of variables, coefficients, and non-negative integer exponents. For example, 4x^3 + 3x^2 - 2x + 1 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 expression. For example, in the polynomial 5x^4 + 3x^2 - 7, the degree is 4.

Front

What does it mean for a polynomial to be in standard form?

Back

A polynomial is in standard form when its terms are arranged in descending order of their degrees. For example, 9x^3 + 4x^2 - 2x + 1 is in standard form.

Front

How do you add polynomials?

Back

To add polynomials, combine like terms by adding their coefficients. For example, (3x^2 + 2x) + (4x^2 + 5x) = 7x^2 + 7x.

Front

How do you subtract polynomials?

Back

To subtract polynomials, distribute the negative sign and then combine like terms. For example, (5x^2 - 3x) - (2x^2 + 4x) = 3x^2 - 7x.

Front

What is the FOIL method?

Back

The FOIL method is a technique for multiplying two binomials. It stands for First, Outside, Inside, Last, referring to the order in which you multiply the terms.

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, 7x^2 is a monomial.

Front

What is a trinomial?

Back

A trinomial is a polynomial with exactly three terms. For example, x^2 + 5x + 6 is a trinomial.

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.