POLYNOMIALS?

A polynomial expression P(x) is an

expression of the form

and
 The non-negative integer n is called
the degree of the polynomial
and coefficients a0, a1, ..., an are real
numbers.
The terms of a polynomial may be
written in any order. However, we often
follow the convention of writing the terms
in decreasing powers of the variable x. In
this case, the polynomial expression is
said to be in standard form.
 Polynomials or polynomial functions are also
classified with respect to their degree.

The degree of polynomials or polynomial function is

determined by the highest power of its terms after
it has been simplified.
3 terms
Leading term:
2x3

Highest
degree: 3
5 terms
Leading term:
5x4

Highest
degree: 4
4 terms
Leading term:
5x5

Highest
degree: 5
5 terms
Leading term:
-2x4

Highest
degree: 4