Meaning & Definition of word "Polynomial"
Polynomial
/ˌpɒlɪˈnəʊmiəl/
noun:
- 1. A mathematical expression consisting of variables, coefficients, and exponents, where the variables are raised to non-negative integer powers.
- Example: The expression 4x^3 + 2x^2 - x + 6 is a polynomial.
- 2. A finite sum of monomials, where each monomial is a product of a constant and a variable raised to a non-negative integer power.
- Example: In algebra, students learn to factor polynomials in various forms.
- 3. An algebraic expression with one or more terms which can involve addition, subtraction, multiplication, and positive integer exponents.
- Example: A common task in calculus is to differentiate polynomials.
Etymology
●From the Greek 'poly' meaning 'many' and 'nomial' meaning 'terms'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
polynomial equation:
An equation where the highest power of the variable(s) is a non-negative integer.
polynomial function:
A function represented by a polynomial expression.
degree of a polynomial:
The highest exponent of the variable in a polynomial.
Related Words
monomial:
A polynomial with a single term.
binomial:
A polynomial with two terms.
trinomial:
A polynomial with three terms.
Slang Meanings of polynomial
Meaning: Polynomials can sometimes be referred to as 'poly' in casual contexts.
● Example Sentence: In my math class, we were solving some poly equations.
Meaning: The term 'poly' can also indicate complexity in discussions among students.
● Example Sentence: Those poly problems really got me stumped.