Section 4.2 Adding & Subtracting Polynomials

Monomial An expression that is either a numeral, a variable, or a product of a numeral and one or more variables. –Examples: 4 7x -9x 2

Coefficient In a monomial, 15a 2 b 2, 15 is the coefficient number with the variable Number being multiplied with the variable(s)

Constant A number only (No variable factor) Example: –3x + 2; 2 is the constant

Polynomial A sum of monomials –Examples: 3x + 2y + 7z – 6 6a + 6b

Binomial A polynomial of only two terms –Examples: 3x + 6 9r - s

Trinomial A polynomial of three terms –Examples: 3x 2 - 8x + 1 y 2 – 2y - 5

Ascending Order Powers are written in increasing order –Example: 3 + 5a – 8a 2 + a 3

Descending Order Powers are written in decreasing order –Example: x 5 y 2 – x 4 + x 3 y 2 + 5xy