Polynomials
Recall that expressions such as ˉ4.9t2, 8.1t, and 1.2 are called monomials. A polynomial is a sum of monomials. Each monomial in a polynomial is called a term. A polynomial like 3x2 + (ˉ5x) + (ˉ2) is usually written as 3x2 – 5x – 2. Some polynomials can be classified by the number of their terms.
Degree: The degree of a term is the sum of the exponents of its variables. The degree of a polynomial is the greatest degree of its terms. The degree of a nonzero constant is 0. The constant 0 has no degree.
Read the explanation below to learn more about polynomials.
Practice: Answer the following exercises about polynomials.