Question

–2x^2 + 6 is what kind of polynomial? Classify the polynomial by degree and number of terms.

Answer 1

You can use this source in which I got this from:


Monomials

A monomial is an expression with one term. However, the term can not have a variable in its denominator.

Examples:

-5
4x
3
-10xy
Binomials

A binomial is a polynomial with two terms.

Examples:

6x + 3
-12x - 3y, 7xy + z
Trinomials
A trinomial is a polynomial with three terms.

Examples:

6x2 + 3x + 5
-2xy + 3x - 5z

Source: gateways2learning.com

Answer 2

Other Special Notes About Polynomials



Degree

The degree of a monomial is the sum of the exponents of its variables.

Examples:

-5 has degree = 0 (because it has no variables)
6x2 has degree = 2
6x2y has degree = 3 (because the exponent on y is 1, we just don't write it)


The degree of a polynomial is the highest degree of any of its terms, after it has been simplified. (i.e. like terms have been combined)

Examples:

6x2 + 3x + 5 has degree = 2 (because 6x2 has the highest degree)
-5x + 6x2y + 7x -6x2y + 5xy simplifies to -5x + 7x + 5xy so the polynomial has degree = 2 (because the degree of 5xy is 2)

Source: Gateways2learning.com