Polynomials: Naming, Adding, Subtracting & Multiplying

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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. It can be expressed in the form: a_n*x^n + a_(n-1)*x^(n-1) + ... + a_1*x + a_0.

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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.

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What is a monomial?

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A monomial is a polynomial with only one term. For example, 3x^2 is a monomial.

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What is a binomial?

Back

A binomial is a polynomial with exactly two terms. For example, 2x + 3 is a binomial.

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What is a trinomial?

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

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How do you add polynomials?

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To add polynomials, combine like terms. For example, (2x^2 + 3x) + (4x^2 + 5) = 6x^2 + 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, (5x^2 + 3) - (2x^2 + 1) = 3x^2 + 2.

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What is the product of two polynomials?

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The product of two polynomials is found by multiplying each term in the first polynomial by each term in the second polynomial and then combining like terms.

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What is a quadratic polynomial?

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A quadratic polynomial is a polynomial of degree 2, which can be expressed in the form ax^2 + bx + c, where a, b, and c are constants and a ≠ 0.

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What is a linear polynomial?

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A linear polynomial is a polynomial of degree 1, which can be expressed in the form ax + b, where a and b are constants and a ≠ 0.