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Polynomials Intro definitions

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  • Polynomial
    An algebraic expression with variables raised only to positive whole number exponents and terms separated by plus or minus signs.
  • Monomial
    A polynomial consisting of a single term, which may include variables and coefficients.
  • Binomial
    A polynomial made up of exactly two terms, each separated by a plus or minus sign.
  • Trinomial
    A polynomial that contains exactly three terms, each separated by addition or subtraction.
  • Exponent
    A positive whole number indicating how many times a variable is multiplied by itself in a term.
  • Standard Form
    A way of writing a polynomial with terms in descending order of exponents and all like terms combined.
  • Degree
    The highest exponent found on any variable within a polynomial, determining its order.
  • Leading Coefficient
    The numerical factor attached to the term with the highest exponent in a polynomial written in standard form.
  • Term
    A part of a polynomial separated by plus or minus signs, consisting of a coefficient, variable(s), and exponent(s).
  • Coefficient
    A numerical factor multiplying a variable or variables in a term of a polynomial.
  • Constant
    A term in a polynomial that contains no variables, representing a fixed value.
  • Like Terms
    Terms in a polynomial that have identical variable parts, including the same variables raised to the same exponents.
  • Descending Order
    An arrangement of terms in a polynomial from highest to lowest exponent.
  • Algebraic Expression
    A mathematical phrase involving variables, numbers, and operations, which may or may not be a polynomial.
  • Negative Exponent
    An exponent less than zero, which disqualifies an expression from being a polynomial.