Unit 5: polynomials

Expression

no equal sign

Polynomial

an algebraic expression that consists of variables, coefficients and constants

Coefficient

number in front of variable. indicates multiplication

Leading Coefficient

number directly in front of the variable with the greatest exponent

Variable

letter in the expression/equation

Constant

alone number in expression. The exponent on the variable is 0

Degree

the largest exponent in a polynomial expression

Monomial

one term

Binomial

two terms

Trinomial

three terms

Like Terms

terms that contain the same variable AND exponent on the variable

Factor

a number that divides evenly into a given value

Greatest Common Factor

greatest factor that is common between 2 given numbers

Multiple

number that has a given value as a factor

What are the requirements for a expression to be a polynomial?

each variable in the expression must have a whole number

no negative numbers as as an exponent

What is a polynomial with a degree of one called?

linear

What is a polynomial with a degree of two called?

quadratic

What is the polynomial with a degree of three called?

cubic