2.1 Classifying Polynomials

Identifying Parts Of A Monomial Exponent Coefficient Variable Let’s try an example: Identify the coefficient, variable, and exponent: Exponent Coefficient Variable

Classifying Polynomials By Number Of Terms Monomial: a number, a variable, or the product of a number and one or more variables. We are also going to call this a term. Let’s check out some examples of monomials: A monomial with no variables is called a constant.

Classifying Polynomials By Number Of Terms Binomial: a polynomial with 2 terms Let’s check out some examples of binomials: Trinomial: a polynomial with 3 terms Let’s check out some examples of trinomials:

Classifying Polynomials By Degree Finding the degree of a Monomial: The sum of the exponents of its variables. Example 1: Example 2: Finding the degree of a Polynomial: The same as that of its term with the greatest degree. Example 1: Example 2:

Classifying Polynomials By Degree Name Example Constant 1 Linear 2 Quadratic 3 Cubic 4 Quartic 5 Quintic

Non-Examples of Polynomials Variables in the denominator Variables under the square roots (fraction exponent) Variables as the exponent (could represent a negative number) Negatives as the exponent (variable moves to the denominator)

Basically: Exponents must be whole numbers (no fractions, decimals or negative values)