Writing the Terms of a Polynomial in Descending Order
The terms of a polynomial in one variable are usually arranged by degree,
in descending order, when read from left to right.
For example, this polynomial
contains one variable, x.
|
x3 + 7x2 - 4x + 2 |
The terms of the polynomial
are arranged by degree in
descending order. |
|
Example
Arrange the terms of this polynomial in descending order and determine
the degree of the polynomial: 7x3 - 8 + 2x - x4
Solution
Write -8 as -8x0. Write 2x as 2x1.
Arrange the terms by degree in descending order (4, 3, 1, 0).
The last two terms may be written without exponents. |
= 7x3 - 8x0 + 2x1 - x4
= - x4 + 7x3 + 2x1 - 8x0
= - x4 + 7x3 + 2x - 8x |
The term of highest degree is -x4. The degree of -x4 is 4. So, the degree
of this polynomial is 4.
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