Polynomials Lesson 5.2: Adding, Subtracting, and Multiplying Polynomials By: Just Just Leininger Period 3 modern algebra Determining a polynomial First you must figure out if the expression is a polynomial. A polynomial is a group of terms that create a sum of monomials. An expression cant be a polynomial if a variable is a square root like because it isnt a monomial. Degree of Polynomial The degree of a polynomial is the largest sum of exponents in one term Ex. In this expression, the degree of the polynomial is 4 because it is the largest. Simplifying Now you must simplify the polynomial. Do you know how? By combining like terms and using the distribution method! Ex. (x+3)+(x-4)+(x+6) x+x+x (3x+5) Ex. 4 FOIL Method The FOIL method is used to multiply two binomials to get the products of F- the first terms, O the outer terms- I- the inner terms- and L- the last terms. Ex. (3x-4)(3x+2) Now you know how to conquer those nasty polynomials! Thank you for listening and always remember: When in doubt, FOIL IT OUT! The End