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5.1A Polynomials: Basics: A. Definition of A Polynomial

This document defines polynomials and describes techniques for adding, subtracting, and multiplying polynomials. A polynomial is a combination of terms containing variables raised to non-negative integer powers. The degree of a polynomial is the highest power of any term. To add or subtract polynomials, like terms are combined. To multiply polynomials, the distributive property and FOIL method can be used.

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62 views

5.1A Polynomials: Basics: A. Definition of A Polynomial

This document defines polynomials and describes techniques for adding, subtracting, and multiplying polynomials. A polynomial is a combination of terms containing variables raised to non-negative integer powers. The degree of a polynomial is the highest power of any term. To add or subtract polynomials, like terms are combined. To multiply polynomials, the distributive property and FOIL method can be used.

Uploaded by

shiela andal
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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5.

1A Polynomials: Basics

A. Definition of a Polynomial

A polynomial is a combination of terms containing numbers and variables raised to positive


(or zero) whole number powers.

Examples of Polynomials

         
 


   

NOT polynomials

   
(power is a fraction)

     
(power is negative)

B. Terminology

1. Degree

a. Term Degree: sum of powers in a term


the degree is 


 
the degree is


the degree is 

1
b. Polynomial Degree: maximum (not total) term degree

         
 
the degree is 


   
the degree is

2. Descending Order

We often write polynomials in order from the highest term degree to the the lowest.


       

For instance, we rewrite as

C. Adding/Subtracting Polynomials

We combine like terms as before.

Beware: minus signs and parentheses


     
 
1. Find


   

       
   
2. Find

      
       
   

2
D. Multiplying Polynomials By Monomials

A monomial is a one-term polynomial. Use the distributive property.

        

Find 

   
          


E. Multiplying Binomials

A binomial is a two-term polynomial.

Method 1: Distributive Property

     
      
If the problem is to expand , we distribute the to the
two terms of the second binomial:

     
        
      

   
       

Now use the distributive property again to get 

A shortcut to the above method is called FOIL

Method 2: FOIL

FOIL is an acronym for “First-Outer-Inner-Last”

Consider the following example:

3
       
Find using FOIL

     

First: 

       
Outer:

       
Inner:

       

Last:


        
 
    

Thus we get  

F. Multiplying Polynomials of Any Size

Method 1: Distributive Property


     
   
If the problem is to expand , we distribute the

    
to the terms of the second polynomial:


     
   

 
     
 
       
      

Now use the distributive property again

      
    
    
    
 

       
   
Thus, after combining like terms, we get 

A shortcut to the above method is called the factor table

Method 2: Factor Table

You make a “tic-tac-toe” grid, and fill in the boxes with the products.

4

   
 
   
 
Consider

Make factor table:


  








Then fill in the table with the products:


  


    
      


        

  
   
 

Collecting like terms:

  
                   
   
 

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