Algebra 2

Standard Form of a Polynomial

A polynomial is in standard form when its terms are written in descending order of their degrees.

Leading Coefficient

The leading coefficient is the coefficient of the term with the highest power of x in a polynomial.

Degree of a Polynomial

The degree of a polynomial is the highest degree of all its terms.

Binomial

A polynomial with two terms.

Trinomial

A polynomial with three terms.

Monomial

A polynomial with one term.

End Behavior of Polynomials

Describes the behavior of the polynomial graph as x approaches positive or negative infinity.

Relative Maximum

The highest point on a graph relative to the surrounding points.

Relative Minimum

The lowest point on a graph relative to the surrounding points.

Turning Point

A point at which a polynomial changes from increasing to decreasing or vice versa.