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Algebraic expressions are mathematical symbols that consist of numbers, letters, and mathematical
operators.
To understand polynomial functions, we first need to know polynomials as algebraic expressions. This
will allow us to evaluate, manipulate, and simplify the polynomials that model real-life scenarios as
functions.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
First, you will need to familiarize yourself with some important terms.
A variable is a placeholder for a constant, usually in the form of a letter from the English or Greek
alphabet.
Examples: ab, x, y3
Algebraic expressions are mathematical phrases made by stringing constants and variables, together
with operators and grouping symbols.
Examples: -2xy, (2m + n)/5
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POLYNOMIALS
A polynomial is an algebraic expression made up of algebraic expressions called terms, separated by
the operators + and -. What makes a polynomial unique from other algebraic expressions is that it
consists of only one variable, raised to whole number exponents, and multiplied to different constant.
Example:
The following expressions are polynomials:
c+8 a2 - 4a + 9 -2x3 + x2 -11x + 7
The term coefficient refers to a factor or multiplier. Constant factors are called numerical coefficients,
while factors that involve variables are called literal coefficients.
Example:
Consider the expression 4x3y.
The numerical coefficient is 4.
The literal coefficient is x3y.
The coefficient of x3 is 4y.
The coefficient of y is 4x3.
In a polynomial, the numerical coefficient of the variable with the highest exponent is called the lead
coefficient.
Example: The polynomial 4a2 - 3a + 2 has 3 terms--4a2, -3a, and 2. The lead coefficient is 4.
Polynomials are labelled according to the number of terms. If a polynomial has 1 term, it is called a
monomial. A polynomial with 2 terms is a binomial, and a polynomial with 3 terms is a trinomial. A
polynomial with 4 or more terms is also referred to as a multinomial.
Examples:
5y2 is a monomial.
5y2 + 3y is a binomial.
5y2 + 3y + 1 is a trinomial.
When 2 terms have exactly the same literal coefficient, they are called similar terms.
Examples:
6x4 and -x4 are similar terms.
y/3 and 3y are similar terms.
2a and a2 are NOT similar terms.
To combine or simplify similar terms, add their numerical coefficients and copy the literal coefficient.
Example:
3x - 4x + 7x - (-5x) = [3 - 4 + 7 - (-5)]x
= 11x
Solution:
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5 Additional Resources
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