6.2 Polynomials

An expression with one or more terms

contains constants, variables, and exponents

terms can be added, subtracted, or multiplied

 $2x$  

 $3x^2+4y^3-\ z$  

5

no fractional exponents

No variables in the denominator

 $x^{\frac{1}{2}}$  

 $\frac{2}{x+2}$  

One term

Can be a constant, a variable, or a combination

 $y$  

 $8$  

 $3x^4$  

 $5x^3y^2z^8$  

2 terms

Terms are separated by a plus or minus sign

 $x+1$  

 $3x^3-\ 4y$  

 $7x^5-3x^2$  

 $4x+9$  

3 terms

Terms separated by plus or minus signs

 $x^2+3x-9$  

 $2x^2+4x+3$  

 $8a^2-7a-6$  

monomials,binomials, and trinomials are specific types of polynomials

If there are 4 or more terms, we just call it a polynomial

Combine like terms

Like terms have the same variables and same exponents