Polynomials Flashcard

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, 2x^2 + 3x - 5 is a polynomial.

Front

What is the degree of a polynomial?

Back

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

Front

How do you subtract polynomials?

Back

To subtract polynomials, distribute the negative sign to the second polynomial and then combine like terms. For example, (-5x^2 + x^3 - 2x + 3) - (-5x^2 - x^3 + 4x + 8) results in 2x^3 - 6x - 5.

Front

What is a monomial?

Back

A monomial is a polynomial with only one term. For example, 3x^2 is a monomial.

Front

What is a binomial?

Back

A binomial is a polynomial with exactly two terms. For example, 4x + 5 is a binomial.

Front

What is a trinomial?

Back

A trinomial is a polynomial with exactly three terms. For example, x^2 + 3x - 4 is a trinomial.

Front

How do you classify polynomials by degree?

Back

Polynomials can be classified as constant (degree 0), linear (degree 1), quadratic (degree 2), cubic (degree 3), and so on.

Front

What is the sum of (2x^2 + 5x - 7) and (3 - 4x^2 + 6x)?

Back

The sum is -2x^2 + 11x - 4.

Front

What is a constant polynomial?

Back

A constant polynomial is a polynomial of degree 0, which means it has no variable term. For example, 5 is a constant polynomial.

Front

What are like terms?

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.