Algebra 1
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Expressions
A polynomial expression is formed from the addition of two or more algebraic terms.
Algebraic terms can be made up of
Variables: x, y
Constants: 3, -7
Exponents with positive powers: x2, y4
A polynomial expression cannot have
Negative exponents: x-2, y-4
Division by a variable: 2/x
The degree of a polynomial expression is determined by the highest power of x it contains.
Degree of 1: linear 4x - 6
Degree of 2: quadratic 3x2 + 4x - 6
Degree of 3: cubic 5x3 – 3x2 + 2x - 5
Degree of 4: quartic 2x4 + 3x3 + 5x2 – 2x - 1
Example
2x2 + 3x – 7
Degree of 2: quadratic
Three terms
2 is the coefficient of x2
-7 is the constant term