4.2 Polynomial Operations

Front

What is a polynomial?

Back

A polynomial is a mathematical expression consisting of variables (also called indeterminates) raised to whole number powers and coefficients. For example, 3x^2 + 2x - 5 is a polynomial.

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 + 7, the degree is 3.

Front

How do you add polynomials?

Back

To add polynomials, combine like terms. For example, (2x^2 + 3x) + (4x^2 + 5) = (2x^2 + 4x^2) + 3x + 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, (5x^2 + 3) - (2x^2 + 4) = 5x^2 - 2x^2 + 3 - 4 = 3x^2 - 1.

Front

What is the product of two binomials?

Back

The product of two binomials can be found using the distributive property (FOIL method). For example, (a + b)(c + d) = ac + ad + bc + bd.

Front

What is the difference between a monomial and a polynomial?

Back

A monomial is a polynomial with only one term, such as 3x^2. A polynomial can have multiple terms, such as 2x^2 + 3x - 5.

Front

What is the standard form of a polynomial?

Back

The standard form of a polynomial is written in descending order of the degree of its terms. For example, 4x^3 + 2x^2 - x + 5 is in standard form.

Front

How do you multiply a polynomial by a monomial?

Back

To multiply a polynomial by a monomial, distribute the monomial to each term of the polynomial. For example, 3x(2x^2 + 4x - 5) = 6x^3 + 12x^2 - 15x.

Front

What is a like term?

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, while 3x^2 and 4x are not.

Front

What is the process of simplifying a polynomial?

Back

Simplifying a polynomial involves combining like terms and writing the expression in standard form. For example, 2x^2 + 3x - 4 + x^2 = 3x^2 + 3x - 4.