Polynomials

The highest power of x

The highest power of x in p(x) is called the degree of the polynomial p(x). For example, 4x + 2 has degree 1, 2y^2 - 3y + 4 has degree 2, and 5x^3 - 4

A polynomial of degree 1

A polynomial of degree 1 is called a linear polynomial. Its general form is ax + b, where a and b are real numbers and a ≠ 0.

A polynomial of degree 2

A polynomial of degree 2 is called a quadratic polynomial. Its general form is ax^2 + bx + c, where a, b, c are real numbers and a ≠ 0.

A polynomial of degree 3

A polynomial of degree 3 is called a cubic polynomial. Its general form is ax^3 + bx^2 + cx + d, where a, b, c, d are real numbers and a ≠ 0.

A real number k is

A real number k is a zero of a polynomial p(x) if p(k) = 0.