Polynomial

/ˌpɒlɪˈnəʊmiəl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A mathematical expression consisting of variables, coefficients, and exponents, where the variables are raised to non-negative integer powers.

The expression 4x^3 + 2x^2 - x + 6 is a polynomial.

A finite sum of monomials, where each monomial is a product of a constant and a variable raised to a non-negative integer power.

In algebra, students learn to factor polynomials in various forms.

An algebraic expression with one or more terms which can involve addition, subtraction, multiplication, and positive integer exponents.

A common task in calculus is to differentiate polynomials.

From the Greek 'poly' meaning 'many' and 'nomial' meaning 'terms'.

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.

monomial

A polynomial with a single term.

binomial

A polynomial with two terms.

trinomial

A polynomial with three terms.

Polynomials can sometimes be referred to as 'poly' in casual contexts.

In my math class, we were solving some poly equations.

The term 'poly' can also indicate complexity in discussions among students.

Those poly problems really got me stumped.