Polynomial Vocabulary

Learn and apply polynomial vocabulary using equations, examples, and interpretation.

Lesson 1 of 53 parts Practice Flashcards

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Terms and Coefficients

Objective: Explain and use terms and coefficients in an Algebra 1 problem.

A polynomial is a finite sum of terms with variables raised to nonnegative integer exponents; coefficients are numerical factors. No, polynomial variable exponents are nonnegative integers.

Worked examples

Try itExample 1.1: What is the degree of 4x^5+14x+1 (with c≥2)?Show answer

5. Identify the largest nonzero exponent. The answer is 5.

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Terms and Coefficients

Objective: Explain and use terms and coefficients in an Algebra 1 problem.

A polynomial is a finite sum of terms with variables raised to nonnegative integer exponents; coefficients are numerical factors. No, polynomial variable exponents are nonnegative integers.

Worked examples

Try itExample 1.1: What is the degree of 4x^5+14x+1 (with c≥2)?Show answer

5. Identify the largest nonzero exponent. The answer is 5.

Degree

Objective: Explain and use degree in an Algebra 1 problem.

The degree of a nonzero single-variable polynomial is the greatest variable exponent with nonzero coefficient. That term does not determine degree.

Worked examples

Try itExample 2.1: What is the degree of 2x^8+24x+1 (with c≥2)?Show answer

8. Identify the largest nonzero exponent. The answer is 8.

Monomials, Binomials, Trinomials

Objective: Explain and use monomials, binomials, trinomials in an Algebra 1 problem.

One, two, and three nonzero terms are called monomial, binomial, and trinomial, respectively. Yes, use the simplified expression.

Worked examples

Try itExample 3.1: What is the degree of 3x^11+34x+1 (with c≥2)?Show answer

11. Identify the largest nonzero exponent. The answer is 11.

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