Math Vocabulary: Polynomials

Flashcards covering key polynomial vocabulary, classification by degree and number of terms, and foundational algebraic definitions.

How are terms written when a polynomial is in standard form?

Terms are written in descending order, with exponents going from highest to lowest.

What is the name for a polynomial with a degree of $4$ (also represented by $x^4$)?

Quartic

What is a polynomial with $2$ terms called?

Binomial

What is a polynomial with $3$ terms called?

Trinomial

If a term has a variable, what is the number out front called?

Coefficient

What is the name for a polynomial with a degree of $2$ (also represented by $x^2$)?

Quadratic

What are the parts of a polynomial that are being added or subtracted called?

Term

How is the degree of a monomial determined?

It is the sum of the exponents of all its variables.

What is the name for a polynomial with a degree of $1$ (also represented by $x$)?

Linear

What is the name for a polynomial with a degree of $3$ (also represented by $x^3$)?

Cubic

What degree does a constant have?

Degree of $0$

How is the degree of a polynomial defined?

The highest degree of any monomial or term in the polynomial.

How is a polynomial named by degree when $n > 5$?

$n\text{th}$ degree

What is an expression with $4$ or more terms called?

Polynomial

What is the leading term of a polynomial?

The term with the highest exponent/degree.

What is the leading coefficient of a polynomial?

The coefficient of the term with the highest degree.

What two criteria are used when naming a polynomial?

It is based on the degree and number of terms.

What is the name for a polynomial with a degree of $5$ (also represented by $x^5$)?

Quintic

What is an expression with $1$ term called?

Monomial