Section 4.2Adding & Subtracting

Polynomials

Monomial• An expression that is either a

numeral, a variable, or a product of a numeral and one or more variables.

–Examples:

• 4

• 7x

• -9x2

Coefficient• In a monomial, 15a2b2, 15 is the

coefficient number with the variable

• Number being multiplied with the variable(s)

Constant• A number only (No variable factor)

• Example:

–3x + 2; 2 is the constant

Polynomial• A sum of monomials

–Examples:• 3x + 2y + 7z – 6

• 6a + 6b

Binomial• A polynomial of only two terms

–Examples:

• 3x + 6

• 9r - s

Trinomial• A polynomial of three terms

–Examples:

• 3x2 - 8x + 1

• y2 – 2y - 5

Ascending Order• Powers are written in increasing order

–Example:

• 3 + 5a – 8a2 + a3

Descending Order• Powers are written in decreasing

order

–Example:

• x5y2 – x4 + x3y2 + 5xy