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Polynomial vocabulary word list

This list supports algebra students learning to read, write, and describe polynomial expressions. It gathers the vocabulary needed to talk about terms, degrees, and operations such as adding or factoring polynomials.

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Polynomial vocabulary word list

30 words
WordMeaningIn a sentenceSave
polynomialnounA mathematical expression made up of variables and coefficients combined using addition, subtraction, and multiplication.The teacher asked students to factor the polynomial into two simpler terms.
monomialnounA mathematical expression consisting of a single term, such as a number, a variable, or their product.The expression 5x squared is a monomial because it contains only one term.
binomialnoun(math) An algebraic expression consisting of two terms connected by a plus or minus sign.In algebra class, we learned to expand the binomial (x + y) squared.
trinomialnounAn algebraic expression made up of three terms connected by addition or subtraction.The expression x squared plus three x plus two is a simple trinomial.
termnounA word or phrase with a specific meaning, especially within a particular subject or field.The textbook defines every technical term in a glossary at the back.
coefficientnounA numerical or constant factor that multiplies a variable in a mathematical expression.In the equation 3x + 2, the number 3 is the coefficient of x.
variablenounA symbol that represents a value that may change or is not yet known.In x + 4 = 9, the variable x represents 5.
exponentnounIn mathematics, a number placed above and to the right of another number, showing how many times it is multiplied by itself.In the expression 2 to the power of 3, the exponent 3 tells us to multiply 2 by itself three times.
degreenounA unit for measuring angles or temperature, or an academic qualification awarded after completing a course of study.She earned a degree in chemistry before starting her research career at the university lab.
constantadjectiveOccurring continuously or remaining the same without change over time.The constant noise from the construction site made it hard to concentrate.
expressionnounA word, phrase, or look that conveys a particular meaning, feeling, or idea.Her puzzled expression clearly showed that she hadn't understood the joke.
equationnounA mathematical statement asserting that two expressions are equal in value.Students learned to solve for x in a simple linear equation.
factornounA number multiplied by another number to produce a product; for integers, a factor divides another integer without a remainder.In 3 × 8 = 24, both 3 and 8 are factors of 24.
factoringnounThe process of breaking a number or algebraic expression down into simpler factors that multiply together.Factoring the equation revealed that x could equal either two or negative three.
rootnounThe part of a plant that grows underground, absorbing water and nutrients and anchoring it in the soil.The tree's roots had grown so large they were beginning to crack the sidewalk.
solutionnounA uniform mixture in which one or more substances are dissolved in another.Stirring the salt into water produced a clear solution.
standard formnounA way of writing a very large or very small number as a value between 1 and 10 multiplied by a power of ten.In standard form, the distance to the sun is written as 1.5 x 10 to the 8th kilometers.
leading coefficientnounThe coefficient of the term with the highest power in a polynomial written in standard form.In the polynomial 3x^2 + 5x - 2, the leading coefficient is 3.
like termsnounIn algebra, terms that contain the same variables raised to the same powers, so they can be combined by addition or subtraction.In the expression 4x + 3y - x, the terms 4x and -x are like terms.
distributeverbTo give out or spread something among a number of people or places.Volunteers distributed food and blankets to families after the flood.
expandverbTo become larger in size, volume, or scope, or to make something larger.The company plans to expand its operations into three new countries next year.
simplifyverbTo make something easier to understand or do by removing unnecessary complexity.The teacher simplified the instructions so that younger students could follow them.
quadraticadjectiveInvolving a variable raised to the second power, as in an equation of the form ax squared plus bx plus c.Students learned to solve a quadratic equation by factoring or using the quadratic formula.
cubicadjectiveRelating to volume measured in three dimensions, or having the shape of a cube.The tank holds ten cubic meters of water when completely full.
linearadjectiveArranged in or resembling a straight line; progressing in a single, direct sequence.The graph showed a linear relationship between the hours studied and the test scores.
remaindernounThe part of something that is left over after the rest has been used, removed, or accounted for.He spent the remainder of the afternoon cleaning out the garage.
divisornounA number by which another number is divided.In the equation twenty divided by four equals five, four is the divisor.
dividendnounA sum of money paid regularly by a company to its shareholders from its profits.The company increased its quarterly dividend after a strong year of sales.
graphnounA visual diagram showing the relationship between two or more sets of data, typically using axes and points or lines.The graph showed a steady rise in average temperatures over the past decade.
functionnounThe particular purpose or role that something has, or the way it works.The main function of the heart is to pump blood throughout the body.

Words for the parts of a polynomial

Polynomial vocabulary starts with naming an expression by how many terms it has: a monomial has one term, a binomial has two, and a trinomial has three. Each term includes a coefficient, the number in front of a variable, and an exponent that shows the variable's power. The degree of a polynomial is the highest exponent found in any of its terms.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a monomial, binomial, and trinomial?

A monomial has one term, a binomial has two terms joined by addition or subtraction, and a trinomial has three such terms.