POLYNOMIALS

 Polynomial – This is an Algebraic Expression with the powers of the variable as one whole number.

Eg. x² + x – 7,  5x³ – 3x + 4

 x^-4 + x – 3, 3x^1/2 + 7 à These expressions cannot be polynomials.

 

Terms of the Polynomials

3x³ – 2x² – 6x – 8

3x², -2x², -6x -8 are the terms of the polynomial

 

Degree of the Polynomial

The highest power of the variable in the polynomial is the degree of the polynomial

5x³ – 3x + 4        Degree à 3

4x⁵ – 3x – 9         Degree à 5

 

Types of Polynomials

Based on number of terms

1 term        à      Monomial  à      4x³

2 terms      à      Binomial    à      3x + 7

3 terms      à      Trinomial   à      2x³ – x + 2

 

Based on degree of the polynomial

Degree       à      Type

   1              à      Linear            à x + 1

   2              à      Quadratic      à x² + 4x + 5

   3              à      Cubic              à x³ – 3x – 7