Polynomial Vocabulary

Polynomial Vocabulary

Monomial

A number, variable, or product of a number and one or more variables

Examples: 5, x, 2x, 4ab

Degree of a Monomial

Sum of the exponents of all its variables

Examples: 5 - degree of 0

x - degree of 1

2x - degree of 1

7x²y - degree of 3

Polynomial

A sum of monomials

Examples 2x² + 5x

Standard form

Terms are written in order from greatest to least degree

Example: 3𝑥³+5𝑥²+7𝑥+1

Degree of a polynomial

The greatest degree of any term in the polynomial.

Example: 3x³+5x²+x+4 Degree - 3

Leading Coefficient

Coefficient of the first term when written in standard form.

Example: 3x³+5x²+x+4 Leading coefficient is 3

Example 1: Write in Standard Form

7y + 2y³-y²+3y⁴

answer: 3y⁴+2y³-y²+7y

Classifying Polynomials