Algebra - Polynomial

Polynomial

Definition, Properties, and Algebraic Identities

A polynomial is an algebraic expression composed of variables and constants combined using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and non-negative integer exponents. Polynomials are a foundational concept in algebra and higher mathematics.

Key Polynomial Identities

\[ (a + b + c)x = ax + bx + cx \]

This identity shows how a monomial multiplies across the terms inside a parenthesis using the distributive property.

\[ (a + b)(m + n) = a(m + n) + b(m + n) \]

\[ = am + an + bm + bn \]

This is a standard polynomial expansion. Each term in the first binomial is multiplied by each term in the second.

\[ \frac{a + b + c}{x} = \frac{a}{x} + \frac{b}{x} + \frac{c}{x} \]

This demonstrates the rule for distributing a denominator across terms in the numerator.

Terminology

  • Term: Each part of the expression separated by a plus or minus sign.
  • Coefficient: The numerical factor of a term (e.g., in 3x, 3 is the coefficient).
  • Degree: The highest power of the variable in the polynomial.
  • Monomial, Binomial, Trinomial: Polynomials with 1, 2, or 3 terms respectively.

Applications

  • Used in algebra for equation solving and graphing functions.
  • Forms the basis for calculus concepts like limits and derivatives.
  • Models real-world relationships in physics, economics, and engineering.
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