Review Flashcards
How can you consider an algebraic expression to be a polynomial?
If (1) the exponents are whole numbers, (2) a variable is not in the denominator, and (3) a variable is not within a radical sign.
What is a polynomial?
A polynomial is an algebraic expression that represents a sum of one or more terms containing whole number exponents on the variable.
What is a term?
A variable, constant, or a product/quotient of constants and variables that are separated by a plus and/or minus signs.
What is a monomial?
A polynomial with 1 term.
What is a binomial?
A polynomial with 2 terms.
What is a trinomial?
A polynomial with 3 terms.
What are numerical coefficients?
They are otherwise known as just “coefficients.” These are constant terms.
What are literal coefficients?
These are variables in a term.
What is a degree of a monomial?
The total number of times it’s variables occur as factors.
What is the degree of a polynomial?
The greatest of degrees of its terms.
What is the “degree of a term that has only one variable?”
This is the exponent of that variable.
What is the “degree of a polynomial that has one variable?”
This is the highest power appearing in any of the terms.
What is the “ degree of a term that has more than one variable?”
This is the sum of the exponents of the variable.
What is the “degree of a polynomial in more than one variable?”
This is the highest sum of the exponents of the variables in any of the terms.
What are like terms?
They are otherwise known as “similar terms.” These are terms that are alike except for their numerical coefficients.
