key term - Term of a polynomial

Definition

A term of a polynomial is an expression consisting of a coefficient and one or more variables raised to non-negative integer exponents. Each term in a polynomial is separated by addition or subtraction operators.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. A polynomial can have multiple terms, each consisting of a coefficient and variables.
2. The degree of a term is the sum of the exponents of all its variables.
3. Constant terms are terms with no variables (e.g., 5 in $3x^2 + 5$).
4. The leading term of a polynomial is the term with the highest degree when terms are ordered by their degrees.
5. Like terms in polynomials have the same variable(s) raised to the same power(s) and can be combined through addition or subtraction.

Review Questions

Related terms

Coefficient:

The numerical factor in front of the variable(s) in a term.

Degree:

The highest sum of exponents in any single term within a polynomial.

Monomial:

A single-term polynomial, such as \(7x^3\).