SOLUTION: 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. Howe

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: 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. Howe      Log On


   

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?
Answer by ptaylor(2198) About Me  (Show Source):
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)
Now lets rewrite your polynomial:
x^2-5x+6=x^2-5x^1+6x^0 and we know that x^0=1
Hope this helps----ptaylor