Get the polynomial expression for a rectangle's length. The general polynomial equation for a straight line is y = mx + b, where "m" and "b" are real-number constants, and "x" and "y" represent the horizontal and vertical axis, respectively.
Express the width of a rectangle as a polynomial expression. Unlike a square, the adjoining sides of a rectangle are unequal. Using different notations for the constants, the width can be written as y = ax + c, where "a" and "c" are real-number constants.
Multiply a rectangle's length and width to express its area as a polynomial. To wrap up the example, the area is equal to mx + b multiplied by ax + c, which is equal to amx^2 + cmx + abx + bc. Grouping like terms, which are terms with the same variable exponents, the area is equal to amx^2 + (ab + cm)x + bc.