ACT Preparation / Unit 8 ACT 0701 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Polynomial Vocabulary
Captions available
The idea
A polynomial is a sum of terms, each a number times a variable raised to a non-negative whole-number power. Its degree is the highest power; the leading coefficient multiplies that term.
In practice
4x³ − 2x + 7 has degree 3 and leading coefficient 4.
Where people slip
Order the terms by power first: in 5 + 2x², the leading coefficient is 2.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Builds on
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