Adding, Subtracting, & Multiplying Polynomials

Front

What is a polynomial?

Back

A polynomial is a mathematical expression that consists of variables, coefficients, and non-negative integer exponents, combined using addition, subtraction, and multiplication.

Front

What are the degrees of polynomials?

Back

The degree of a polynomial is the highest power of the variable in the expression. For example, in the polynomial 4x^3 + 2x^2 - x + 5, the degree is 3.

Front

How do you add polynomials?

Back

To add polynomials, combine like terms by adding their coefficients while keeping the variable part the same.

Front

What are like terms in polynomials?

Back

Like terms are terms that have the same variable raised to the same power. For example, 3x^2 and 5x^2 are like terms.

Front

How do you subtract polynomials?

Back

To subtract polynomials, distribute the negative sign to the terms of the polynomial being subtracted, then combine like terms.

Front

What is the process of simplifying a polynomial expression?

Back

Simplifying a polynomial expression involves combining like terms and performing any necessary arithmetic operations to reduce the expression to its simplest form.

Front

What is the distributive property in relation to polynomials?

Back

The distributive property states that a(b + c) = ab + ac, which allows you to multiply a single term by each term inside a parenthesis.

Front

How do you multiply polynomials?

Back

To multiply polynomials, use the distributive property or the FOIL method (First, Outside, Inside, Last) for binomials, and combine like terms afterward.

Front

What is a binomial?

Back

A binomial is a polynomial that contains exactly two terms, such as 3x + 4 or x^2 - 5.

Front

What is a trinomial?

Back

A trinomial is a polynomial that contains exactly three terms, such as x^2 + 3x + 2.