A polynomial consists of one or more parts called "terms." These may be numbers called constants, variables represented by letters, or a combination of the two. Each term is separated from all other terms by a mathematical operator, such as an addition, subtraction, multiplication or division sign. Mathematicians name terms according to their degree, or the power to which they are raised. A term without an exponent is the equivalent of the same number raised to the first power, and is called a first-degree term.
Instructions
-
-
1
Locate the operation signs in the equation.
For example, "+", "-", "x" and "/".
-
2
Examine the units between each sign. Each one is called a term.
For instance, in the equation 4x^5 + 9y^3 - x^2 / 10, the terms are 4x^5, 9y^3, -x^2 and 10.
-
-
3
Identify the exponent, or power, to which each term is raised. This determines the degree of the term.
For example, 4x^5 is a fifth-degree term, 9y^3 is a third-degree term, x^2 is a second-degree term and 10 is a first-degree term.