lesson 1 video 3 Polynomial Operations and Properties

Vocabulary practice covering basic classification, properties, and simplification rules for polynomial arithmetic as described in Lesson 2.

Monomial

A mathematical expression consisting of a single term.

Trinomial

A polynomial expression consisting of three terms.

Distributive Property

The mathematical property used to multiply a single term outside a group of parentheses by every term inside the parentheses.

Commutative Property

A property that allows for the rearrangement of factors to simplify multiplication, such as rewriting $-4x \times 3x^2$ as $-4 \times 3 \times x \times x^2$.

Like Terms

Terms in a polynomial that have the same variables raised to the same powers, such as $x^2$ and $x^2$, which can be added or subtracted.

Binomial

A polynomial expression containing exactly two terms.

Combining Like Terms

The process of simplifying an expression by adding or subtracting the coefficients of terms that share the same variable and exponent.

Descending Order

The standard form of writing a polynomial answer where the terms are listed from the highest exponent to the lowest exponent (e.g., $x^8$, then $x^6$, then $x^4$).

Polynomial

A mathematical expression involving the sum or difference of powers in one or more variables multiplied by coefficients.

Coefficient

The numerical part or constant factor of a term in an algebraic expression, such as the number $-4$ in the term $-4x$, which is multiplied by the variable.