Polynomial: An expression that contains variables and coefficients
ex. 5xy2 – 3x + 5y3 – 3
Term: A term consists of a variable and a coefficient
ex. 5x
Monomial: A polynomial containing only ‘1’ term
ex. 5xy2
Binomial: A polynomial containing ‘2’ terms
ex. 5xy2 – 3x
Trinomial: A polynomial containing ‘3’ terms
ex. 5xy2 – 3x + 5y3
Notes
- monomials, binomials, and trinomials are all polynomials, but not all polynomials are monomials, binomials, or trinomials.
ex. 5xy2, 5xy2 – 3x, and 5xy2 – 3x + 5y3 are ALL polynomials. However, 5xy2 – 3x + 5y3 – 3 is not a monomial, binomial, OR a trinomial. It is called ‘a polynomial with 4 terms’. Or simply just a ‘polynomial’
- Anything with more than 3 terms are called a ‘polynomial’
If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comment box below!