CLASS-6
ALGEBRA - POLYNOMIAL

POLYNOMIAL -

In algebra, a polynomial is an algebraic expression or mathematical function that consists of one or more terms. Each term in a polynomial is composed of variables, constants, and exponents, and they are combined using addition or subtraction. Polynomials are a fundamental concept in algebra and are used to model a wide range of mathematical relationships and real-world problems.

Here are some key characteristics and examples of polynomials:-

  1. Terms:- A polynomial is made up of terms. Each term can be a combination of constants, variables, and exponents. Terms are typically separated by addition (+) or subtraction (-) operators.
  2. Variables:- Variables are symbols (usually represented by letters) that stand for unknown or varying quantities. They can be raised to various non-negative integer exponents.
  3. Exponents:- Exponents indicate the power to which a variable is raised within a term. For example, in the term "2x³," the variable "x" is raised to the third power.
  4. Coefficients:- Coefficients are the numerical factors that multiply the variables and their exponents within each term. Coefficients can also be constants.

Examples of Polynomials:-

  1. Linear Polynomial:- "3x + 2" is a linear polynomial consisting of two terms connected by addition. The first term is "3x" (a linear term), and the second term is "2" (a constant term).
  2. Quadratic Polynomial:- "2x²- 5x + 1" is a quadratic polynomial consisting of three terms connected by both addition and subtraction operators. The terms involve variables "x" raised to various powers.
  3. Cubic Polynomial:- "4x³- 2x²+ x - 7" is a cubic polynomial consisting of four terms. It includes variables "x" raised to different powers and constant terms.
  4. Constant Polynomial:- "7" is a constant polynomial consisting of a single term, which is a constant. It does not contain any variables.
  5. Quadratic Trinomial:- "x²+ 3x - 6" is a quadratic trinomial consisting of three terms connected by both addition and subtraction operators.
  6. Polynomial Function:- "f(x) =2x³- 5x²+ 4x - 7" represents a polynomial function in terms of "x," with multiple terms in the expression.

A polynomial is an algebraic expression that has one, two or more terms.

Examples of polynomials (Another Way Of Understnding):-

·   2a + 5b is a polynomial of two terms in two variables a and b.

·  3xy + 5x + 1 is a polynomial of three terms in two variables x and y.

·  3y⁵+ 2y³+7y²– 9y + 3/5 is a polynomial of five terms in two variables x and y.

·  m + 5mn – 7m²n + nm²+ 9 is a polynomial of four terms in two variables m and n.

·  3 + 7x⁵ + 4x² is a polynomial of three terms in one variable x.

·  3 + 5x²– 4x²y + 5xy² is a polynomial of three terms in two variables x and y.

·  x + 5yz – 7z + 11 is a polynomial of four terms in three variables x, y and z.

·  1 + 2p + 3p²+ 4p³+ 5p4 + 6p⁵ + 7p⁶ is a polynomial of seven terms in one variable p.

Polynomials are used extensively in mathematics and various fields such as physics, engineering, economics, and computer science to model and solve problems. They can be added, subtracted, multiplied, factored, and divided to analyze mathematical relationships and real-world situations. Understanding polynomials is a fundamental skill in algebra and mathematics as a whole.