Polynomials
What is Polynomials?
A polynomial is an expression consisting of variables and coefficients, that represents a mathematical relationship. The variables are usually represented by x, y, and z. The coefficients are numbers that multiply the variables. The order of a polynomial corresponds to the highest exponent of the variable. For example, the polynomial x2 + 3x + 5 is a second-order polynomial because the highest exponent of the variable is 2.
Polynomials can be used to model many real-world situations. For example, the equation for a line is a first-order polynomial, the equation for a parabola is a second-order polynomial, and the equation for a cubic curve is a third-order polynomial.
Polynomials can be added, subtracted, and multiplied together to create new polynomials. This process is called algebra. Algebra is a powerful tool that can be used to solve equations and to find the roots of polynomials (the points where the polynomial equals zero).
The study of polynomials is a branch of mathematics called algebra. Algebra is a powerful tool that can be used to solve equations and to find the roots of polynomials (the points where the polynomial equals zero).
Polynomials Resources
Introduction to polynomials
Learn about terms, coefficients, and exponents. The basic ingredients of polynomial expressions!...
Polynomials: Introduction
Basics of polynomials. Identifying polynomials; symmetry; adding, subtracting, multiplying, and simplifying polynomials; long and synthetic division; and the remainder theorem....
Polynomials: Finding Zeroes and More
Finding zeros of a polynomial, finding the polynomial given zeros, the rational roots test, finding the number of zeros, and finding additional roots with the conjugate pair theorem....
Polynomials : Factoring
Factoring polynomials: factoring by grouping, perfect square trinomials, the difference of two squares, and using the GCF....