Unit 2 will be broken down into 3 parts. The first part, unit 2A, will include classifying polynomials, adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing polynomials. I have includeda few support items to help along the way.
Download combine_like_terms.ppt
Download polynomials_101.1 Add Subtract.ppt
Download Polynomials_Day2.ppt
Classifying Polynomials
I. Adding and subtracting polynomials, in order to do that we must first learn about polynomials. Lets start at the beginning.
A monomial is a number, variable or product of numbers and variables.
ex: 3, x, -20y, 4x2
Two monomials together is called a binomial.
ex: 3 + x, 2x2 – x, 3x – 2
Three monomials together are called a trinomial.
ex: x2 + 3x – 7, 3x5 – 8x2 + 16x
More than three monomials together are called a polynomial.
ex: -3x3 + 2x2 -7x + 4, x5 - 4x3 + 3x2 - 6x -12
II. We also classify polynomials by degree.
The largest exponent of a polynomial determines the degree of the polynomial.
If the largest exponent is zero it is called constant. Ex. 12x0 = 12
If the largest exponent is 1 it is called linear. Ex: 3x
If the largest exponent is 2, it is called Quadratic. Ex: 4x2
If the largest exponent is 3, it is called Cubic. Ex: 3x3
If the largest exponent is 4, it is called 4th degree. EX: 2x4
If the largest exponent is n, it is called nth degree. Ex: 3xn
