1. 2.1 Classifying Polynomials

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

3. 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.

4. 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:

5. 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:

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

7. 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)

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