Polynomial Operations Review

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 is the degree of a polynomial?

Back

The degree of a polynomial is the highest power of the variable in the expression.

Front

How do you factor a polynomial?

Back

To factor a polynomial, you can look for common factors, use grouping, or apply special factoring formulas like the difference of squares.

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.

Front

What is the difference of squares formula?

Back

The difference of squares formula states that a^2 - b^2 = (a + b)(a - b).

Front

Multiply: (x + 3)(x - 3)

Back

x^2 - 9

Front

What is the sum of the roots of a quadratic polynomial ax^2 + bx + c?

Back

The sum of the roots is given by -b/a.

Front

What is the product of the roots of a quadratic polynomial ax^2 + bx + c?

Back

The product of the roots is given by c/a.

Front

Factor completely: x^2 - 16

Back

(x + 4)(x - 4) - This is an example of the difference of squares.

Front

What is a binomial?

Back

A binomial is a polynomial with exactly two terms.