Okuzeka
Mathematics vocabulary · Algebra and Equations

Polynomial

Meaning in mathematics, with examples

/ˌpɑːliˈnoʊmiəl/nounCommon term

In mathematics, polynomial means: An expression made of terms with whole-number powers of a variable, added or subtracted, such as 3x⁴ − 2x² + x − 7.

In Turkish: polinom, çok terimli

How it is used

Polynomials are described by their degree, the highest power: linear (1), quadratic (2), cubic (3), quartic (4). You factorise, divide, graph and find the roots of a polynomial. It is also an adjective: polynomial equation, polynomial time.

Example sentences

  1. What is the degree of this polynomial?

  2. Use the factor theorem to check whether x − 2 divides the polynomial.

Common collocations

  • degree of a polynomial
  • cubic polynomial
  • polynomial division
  • roots of a polynomial
  • expressionA combination of numbers, variables and operation signs, such as 4x² − 3x + 7, that has no equals sign and can be simplified or evaluated.
  • coefficientThe number that multiplies a variable in a term; in 5x² − 3x, the coefficient of x² is 5 and the coefficient of x is −3.
  • quadratic equationAn equation in which the highest power of the variable is 2, written in the form ax² + bx + c = 0, where a is not zero.
  • rootA value of the variable that makes an equation or polynomial equal to zero; the roots of x² − 5x + 6 = 0 are 2 and 3.
  • factorA number or expression that divides another exactly, with no remainder; the factors of 12 are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 12.

More terms: Algebra and Equations

Practise with graded reading

Reading at the right level is the fastest way to make new words stick. Pick free English books by level: