SOLUTION: Will somebody please (in simple english) tell me what polynomial and degree are. I dont get it..

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: Will somebody please (in simple english) tell me what polynomial and degree are. I dont get it..      Log On


   

Question 139205: Will somebody please (in simple english) tell me what polynomial and degree are. I dont get it..
Answer by scott8148(6628) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
polynomial means multiple TERMS

the terms are added or subtracted (separated by + or -)

3xyz is a monomial - single term (no pluses or minuses)

a^2+2b-3c is a trinomial - three terms separated by plus or minus


degree is the highest exponent on a variable (letter) in an expression

x+3 is 1st degree (binomial)

y^3-3y+1 is 3rd degree (trinomial) __ so is x^3-11 (binomial)

quadratics are 2nd degree because the highest exponent is 2