Basic Polynomial Concepts

Front

What is a polynomial?

Back

A polynomial is a monomial or a sum of monomials.

Front

What is a constant?

Back

A constant is a number on its own. Example: 3

Front

What is a coefficient?

Back

A coefficient is a numerical quantity before a variable. Example: In 3x, the coefficient is 3.

Front

What is the standard form of a polynomial?

Back

The standard form is when terms are arranged in descending order from largest degree to smallest degree. Example: 3x^2 + 2x + 6

Front

What is a monomial?

Back

A monomial is a one term polynomial. Example: 5x

Front

What is a binomial?

Back

A binomial is a two term polynomial. Example: 2x + 3

Front

What is a trinomial?

Back

A trinomial is a three term polynomial. Example: 3x^2 + 2x + 5

Front

What is the degree of a polynomial?

Back

The degree is the largest exponent or sum of the largest exponents in a multi-variable term. Example: 5x^3 has a degree of 3.

Front

What is a term in a polynomial?

Back

A term is a single mathematical expression. Example: 2x.

Front

What is a leading coefficient?

Back

The leading coefficient is the coefficient of the term with the highest degree in a polynomial. Example: In 4x^3 + 3x^2 + 2, the leading coefficient is 4.