What Is a Polynomial?
A polynomial is an algebraic expression in which terms are separated using the “+” and “-” operators. In this guide, you will learn more about the definition of a polynomial and its properties.
[include_netrun_products_block from-products="product/6-south-carolina-sc-ready-grade-3-math-practice-tests/" product-list-class="bundle-products float-left" product-item-class="float-left" product-item-image-container-class="p-0 float-left" product-item-image-container-size="col-2" product-item-image-container-custom-style="" product-item-container-size="" product-item-add-to-cart-class="btn-accent btn-purchase-ajax" product-item-button-custom-url="{url}/?ajax-add-to-cart={id}" product-item-button-custom-url-if-not-salable="{productUrl} product-item-container-class="" product-item-element-order="image,title,purchase,price" product-item-title-size="" product-item-title-wrapper-size="col-10" product-item-title-tag="h3" product-item-title-class="mt-0" product-item-title-wrapper-class="float-left pr-0" product-item-price-size="" product-item-purchase-size="" product-item-purchase-wrapper-size="" product-item-price-wrapper-class="pr-0 float-left" product-item-price-wrapper-size="col-10" product-item-read-more-text="" product-item-add-to-cart-text="" product-item-add-to-cart-custom-attribute="title='Purchase this book with single click'" product-item-thumbnail-size="290-380" show-details="false" show-excerpt="false" paginate="false" lazy-load="true"]
A polynomial is a kind of expression. An expression is a mathematical statement without an equal-to sign \((=)\).
Related Topics
- How to Write Polynomials in Standard Form
- How to Add and Subtract Polynomials
- How to Do Operations with Polynomials
A step-by-step guide to polynomial
A polynomial is a type of algebraic expression in which the exponents of all variables must be a whole number. The power of variables in any polynomial must be a non-negative integer. A polynomial contains constants and variables, but we can not perform division operations by a variable in polynomials.
The following image shows all the terms in a polynomial:
Terms of a polynomial
Polynomial terms are defined as parts of an expression that are separated by the operators \(+\) or \(-\). For example, the polynomial expression \(5x^3-\:4x^2+\:8x\:-12\) consists of four terms.
Degree of a polynomial
The highest or greatest power of a variable in a polynomial is known as the degree of the polynomial. The degree is used to determine the maximum number of solutions of a polynomial equation.
Note: The degree of a polynomial with more than one variable is equal to the sum of the power of the variables in it.
Types of polynomials
Polynomials can be categorized based on their degree and power. Based on the number of terms, there are mainly three types of polynomials listed below:
- Monomials
- Binomials
- Trinomials
A monomial is a type of polynomial with a single term. For example, \(x\), \(-4xy\), and \(7z^2\). A binomial is a type of polynomial that has two terms. For example, \(x + 3\), \(y^2+5\), and \(2x^3- 6\). While a trinomial is a type of polynomial that has three terms. For example \(3x^2+ 7x -5\), \(x + y + z\), and \(4x + y- 8\).
Related to This Article
More math articles
- Algebra Puzzle – Challenge 36
- 4th Grade PARCC Math Worksheets: FREE & Printable
- Unlocking the Power of Visualizations: How to Use Diagrams and Drawings to Master Math Concepts
- 10 Most Common 5th Grade NYSE Math Questions
- 3rd Grade RISE Math Worksheets: FREE & Printable
- Unlocking the Secrets of Inscribed Polygons
- 7th Grade TCAP Math Worksheets: FREE & Printable
- Number Properties Puzzle – Challenge 11
- The Ultimate GED Math Course [Updated for 2026]
- 5th Grade M-STEP Math Worksheets: FREE & Printable
What people say about "What Is a Polynomial? - Effortless Math: We Help Students Learn to LOVE Mathematics"?
No one replied yet.