SOLUTION: Is it possible for a polynomial with four variables to have a degree less than 4?

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: Is it possible for a polynomial with four variables to have a degree less than 4?      Log On


   

Question 377943: Is it possible for a polynomial with four variables to have a degree less than 4?
Answer by richard1234(7193) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Recall that the degree of a polynomial (possibly multivariable) is the largest sum of the powers of the variables' exponents. For example, x%5E3+%2B+4x+%2B+2 has degree 3, while x%5E2y%5E5+%2B+xy%5E4+%2B+z has degree 7.
Since the exponents of a polynomial must be nonnegative integers (by definition), it is impossible for four variables w,x,y,z to exist in the same term. However, a four-variable polynomial such as wxy+%2B+z%5E2 satisfies, as it has degree 3.