Math Dictionary / Binomial

Binomial

A binomial is a polynomial with exactly two terms.

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What it means

The two terms are joined by addition or subtraction, such as x + 5 or 3a – 2b.

Also called: two-term polynomial

Examples

x + 7 is a binomial
3m – 4 is a binomial
x^2 + 2x + 1 is not a binomial because it has three terms

Common mistake

A binomial has exactly two terms, not two variables.

Try one

Question: Is 5x – 9 a binomial?

Show answer

Yes. It has two terms: 5x and -9.

Related terms

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