SOLUTION: Is 4a(with exponent 2) b (with exponent 5) a polynomial? (Sorry, I don't know how to type "a" raised to the 3rd power and "b" raised to the 5th power in this box) Why or why not? I

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: Is 4a(with exponent 2) b (with exponent 5) a polynomial? (Sorry, I don't know how to type "a" raised to the 3rd power and "b" raised to the 5th power in this box) Why or why not? I      Log On


   

Question 559096: Is 4a(with exponent 2) b (with exponent 5) a polynomial? (Sorry, I don't know how to type "a" raised to the 3rd power and "b" raised to the 5th power in this box) Why or why not? I have searched my textbook and online. I think this is a monomial (a one term polynomial), but I'm not sure becuase it has two differnt variables.
Answer by KMST(5328) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
You are right. 4a%5E2b%5E5 is a monomial.
Some may also call it a polynomial, just as the empty set is called a set, and how a square is considered a special case of a rectangle.
4a%5E2b%5E5%2B2 would be a binomial. Each group of multiplied numbers and variables (with any exponents) between plus and minus signs is called a term and if you count two terms, it is a binomial. Three terms makes a trinomial, and if you don't want to count, you call it a polynomial.