document.write( "Question 205857: I am just learning algebra and the basic terms. I looked up polynomial in the dictionary (dictionary.com). According to the first 2 entries, each term has a variable in it. However, in the example expression there is a term without a variable. \"x^2 - 5x + 6\" I do not see a variable in the 3rd term of this expression. On another algebra site it gave a similar example. The dictionary seems to very clearly state that EACH term contains a variable. Can you explain this? \n" ); document.write( "
Algebra.Com's Answer #155451 by ptaylor(2198)![]() ![]() You can put this solution on YOUR website! Polynomial---- a mathematical expression of one or more algebraic terms each of which consists of a constant multiplied by one or more variables raised to a nonnegative integral power (as a + bx + cx2) \n" ); document.write( "Now lets rewrite your polynomial: \n" ); document.write( "x^2-5x+6=x^2-5x^1+6x^0 and we know that x^0=1\r \n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "Hope this helps----ptaylor \n" ); document.write( " |