Learning Objectives - Understand the definition and structure of polynomials - Identify degrees, terms, and coefficients - Perform operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division - Apply polynomials in problem-solving
What is a Polynomial? - An expression made up of terms added or subtracted - Terms include variables raised to whole number exponents and constants Example: 3x² - 5x + 2
Parts of a Polynomial - Term: 3x² - Coefficient: 3 - Variable: x - Exponent: 2 - Constant: A term without a variable
Types of Polynomials - Monomial: 1 term (e.g., 5x) - Binomial: 2 terms (e.g., x + 4) - Trinomial: 3 terms (e.g., x² + 3x + 2)
Degree of a Polynomial - The highest exponent in the polynomial Example: 4x³ + 2x² - x → Degree is 3
Adding and Subtracting Polynomials - Combine like terms Example: (2x² + 3x + 1) + (x² - 2x + 4) = 3x² + x + 5
Real-Life Application Polynomials model real-world problems such as: - Profit and revenue analysis - Area and volume calculations - Physics and engineering formulas
Summary ✅ Polynomials are expressions with variables and constants ✅ Learn to identify, classify, and operate on polynomials ✅ Useful in many real-world and advanced math scenarios
Quick Quiz 1. What is the degree of 5x² + 3x - 1? 2. Classify: x² + 2x + 1 3. Evaluate: f(x) = 2x - 1 when x = 4