Meaning & use
polynomial
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Meanings
nouncountablemathematics
A mathematical expression with variables and coefficients, using only addition, subtraction, and multiplication.
Grammar: Countable; you can say 'a polynomial' or 'polynomials'.
Patterns
- a polynomial of degree n
- solve a polynomial
The expression 3x^2 + 2x - 5 is a polynomial.
We learned how to factor a polynomial in algebra class.
The polynomial has a degree of four, so its graph can have several turning points.
adjectivebefore a nounmathematics
Relating to or consisting of a polynomial.
Grammar: Used before nouns like 'equation', 'function', or 'expression'.
Patterns
- polynomial equation
- polynomial function
The polynomial equation has three real roots.
She graphed the polynomial function on the board.
Word forms
| plural | polynomials |
|---|
Common combinations
- degree of a polynomial
- The degree of a polynomial is the highest power of the variable.
- polynomial equation
- Solving a polynomial equation often involves factoring.
- polynomial function
- A polynomial function produces a smooth curve without breaks.
- factor a polynomial
- Can you factor this polynomial into two binomials?
Word family
- polynomial adjective
- Describing something that is or involves a polynomial.
Commonly confused: polynomial or binomial? polynomial or monomial?
polynomial vs binomial
A binomial is a polynomial with exactly two terms, like x + 3.
polynomial vs monomial
A monomial has only one term, such as 5x^2, while a polynomial can have many.
Practice
Which of these is a polynomial?
Choose one answer.
A polynomial uses only addition, subtraction, and multiplication of variables and coefficients, so x^2 + 3x - 1 fits. Expressions with division by a variable (1/x), square roots (√x), or trigonometric functions (sin x) are not polynomials.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “polynomial”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.