Basics of Polynomials – Degree of Polynomial

Basics of Polynomials | What is Degree of Polynomial | Math for Hearing Impaired Students

Basics of Polynomials for Hearing Impaired Students

The Basics of Polynomials include terms, coefficients, and variables. Students often ask, what is degree of Polynomial? It is the highest power of a variable. These concepts are clearly explained in Mathematics Study Material for Hearing Impaired Students. Moreover, mathematics for hearing impaired students introduces examples and visual aids. Therefore, the best study material for hearing impaired students makes learning easier and more interactive.

Applications and Learning Resources

Understanding the Basics of Polynomials helps students solve algebraic expressions. Mathematics Study Material for Hearing Impaired Students explains these concepts with worksheets and guided exercises. Additionally, mathematics for hearing impaired students connects polynomials with real-world examples. With practice, the best study material for hearing impaired students builds confidence. Thus, these topics become useful math learning resources for hearing impaired.

Polynomials: Terms, Degree, Coefficients – Mathematics for Hearing Impaired

Polynomials: Terms, Degree, Coefficients

What is a Polynomial?

A polynomial is a mathematical expression consisting of variables, coefficients, and exponents, combined using addition, subtraction, and multiplication, but not division by a variable. Each part of a polynomial is called a term.

Key Components of Polynomials

5x³
Coefficient: 5
Variable: x
³
Exponent: 3

1. Terms

A term is a single part of a polynomial, consisting of a coefficient multiplied by one or more variables raised to exponents.

3x2 + 2x – 5

This polynomial has three terms: 3x², 2x, and -5.

2. Degree

The degree of a polynomial is the highest exponent of the variable in any term.

4x3 + 2x2 – x + 7

The highest exponent is 3, so this is a 3rd-degree polynomial or a cubic polynomial.

3. Coefficients

Coefficients are the numerical factors that multiply the variables in each term.

5x2 + -3x + 2

The coefficients are 5, -3, and 2.

Types of Polynomials by Number of Terms

Number of Terms Name Example
1 Monomial 5x²
2 Binomial 3x + 2
3 Trinomial x² + 4x + 4
4 or more Polynomial 2x³ + x² – 5x + 1

5 Solved Examples

Example 1: Identify Terms

Identify all terms in the polynomial: 4x³ – 2x² + 7x – 5

Solution: The terms are: 4x³, -2x², 7x, and -5

Example 2: Find Degree

What is the degree of the polynomial: 3x⁴ – 2x² + x – 8?

Solution: The highest exponent is 4, so the degree is 4.

Example 3: Identify Coefficients

Identify the coefficients in: -5x³ + 2x² – x + 9

Solution: The coefficients are: -5 (for x³), 2 (for x²), -1 (for x), and 9 (constant term).

Example 4: Classify by Number of Terms

Classify the polynomial: 7x² – 3x + 1

Solution: This polynomial has 3 terms, so it is a trinomial.

Example 5: Complete Analysis

Analyze the polynomial: 2x⁵ – 4x³ + x – 7

Solution:

  • Terms: 2x⁵, -4x³, x, -7
  • Degree: 5 (highest exponent)
  • Coefficients: 2, -4, 1, -7
  • Classification: Polynomial (4 terms)

10 Unsolved Examples

Try solving these problems. Click the button to check your answers!

1. Identify all terms in: 3x² + 5x – 2

Terms: 3x², 5x, -2

2. What is the degree of: x⁴ – 3x² + 2x – 1?

Degree: 4

3. Identify coefficients in: -2x³ + 4x – 7

Coefficients: -2, 4, -7

4. Classify: 5x² – 2x

Binomial (2 terms)

5. Identify terms, degree, and coefficients of: 4x³ – x² + 2x – 8

Terms: 4x³, -x², 2x, -8; Degree: 3; Coefficients: 4, -1, 2, -8

6. What is the degree of: 7x⁶ + 2x⁴ – x² + 5?

Degree: 6

7. Identify coefficients in: ½x² – ¾x + 2

Coefficients: ½, -¾, 2

8. Classify: -3x⁵

Monomial (1 term)

9. Identify all terms in: x⁴ + 2x³ – 3x² + x – 5

Terms: x⁴, 2x³, -3x², x, -5

10. What is the degree of: 2x – 7?

Degree: 1

Key Points to Remember

  • Polynomials are made up of terms separated by + or – signs
  • The degree is determined by the highest exponent
  • Coefficients are the numbers multiplying the variables
  • Polynomials are classified by the number of terms they contain
  • Constants (like -5 or 7) are also terms with variable exponent 0
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