Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
When we say "third-order," we mean that the polynomial has a degree of 3. The order of a polynomial is determined by the highest power of the variable in the polynomial.
The degree of a polynomial is determined by the highest power of its variable. It tells us how many terms are needed to fully describe the shape and behavior of the polynomial.
The coefficient is the numerical factor multiplied by each term in a polynomial. It affects both its amplitude and direction.
Term: In mathematics, a term refers to either an individual number or variable, or it can be a combination of numbers and variables multiplied together in an expression.