Classifying, Adding, Subtracting, and Multiplying Polynomials

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, 4x^2 + 3x - 5 is a polynomial.

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 the polynomial -2x^3 + 4x^2 - x + 7, the leading coefficient is -2.

Front

How do you classify a polynomial with three terms?

Back

A polynomial with three terms is classified as a trinomial.

Front

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, the degree of 3x^4 + 2x^2 - 5 is 4.

Front

What is a monomial?

Back

A monomial is a polynomial with only one term. For example, 5x^3 is a monomial.

Front

What is a binomial?

Back

A binomial is a polynomial with exactly two terms. For example, 3x + 4 is a binomial.

Front

What is a trinomial?

Back

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

Front

How do you add polynomials?

Back

To add polynomials, combine like terms by adding their coefficients. For example, (2x^2 + 3x) + (4x^2 + 5) = 6x^2 + 3x + 5.

Front

How do you subtract polynomials?

Back

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

Front

What is the result of multiplying a polynomial by a monomial?

Back

To multiply a polynomial by a monomial, multiply each term of the polynomial by the monomial. For example, -x^3(2x^2 + 3) = -2x^5 - 3x^3.