Adding and subtracting polynomials

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around writing polynomials in standard form and identifying their degree and number of terms. Participants are addressing a set of polynomial expressions and the requirements for their classification.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to combine terms of a polynomial but expresses uncertainty about how to proceed. Some participants question the clarity of the problem statement and the definitions of terms like "standard form" and "degree."

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants seeking clarification on definitions and the requirements of the problem. There is a recognition of the need for foundational understanding, but no consensus or resolution has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the absence of a textbook or definitions that might clarify the terms used in the problem. There is also mention of potential typos in the problem statements that could affect understanding.

Sonny18n
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Homework Statement


Write each polynomial in standard form. Then name each polynomial based on its degree and number of terms.[/B]
1.4y^3 -4y^2+3-y
2.x^2=x^4-6
3.x+2

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


4y+3-y
Don't know where else to go from here. Would appreciate a nudge in the right direction.
 
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Your problem statement doesn't actually say a problem.
 
Edited.
 
Sonny18n said:

Homework Statement


Write each polynomial in standard form. Then name each polynomial based on its degree and number of terms.[/B]
1.4y^3 -4y^2+3-y
2.x^2=x^4-6
3.x+2

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


4y+3-y
Is this your work for #1?
First, ##4y^3 - 4y^2 \ne 4y##. These two terms are not like terms (your textbook should have a definition), and so can't be combined.

Second, you have not done what needs to be done here. For each of the problems, 1) write it in standard form (there should be a definition of what this means in your book), and 2) state the degree of the polynomial (e.g., first degree, second degree, and so on) and the number of terms (e.g., monomial, binomial, and so on).

Also, I believe you have a typo in problem 2. It should probably be ##x^2 + x^4 - 6##. What you wrote is a polynomial equation, not a polynomial.
Sonny18n said:
Don't know where else to go from here. Would appreciate a nudge in the right direction.
Read (or reread) the section in your book that has these problems. Look for the definitions of all of the terms I wrote in italics.
 
Currently have nothing but a worksheet.
Let me try that again.
(4y^3 - 4y^2) + (3-y)
 
Sonny18n said:
Currently have nothing but a worksheet.
You don't have a textbook? Did your teacher provide definitions for the terms I listed in my previous post?
Sonny18n said:
Let me try that again.
(4y^3 - 4y^2) + (3-y)

All you have done here is write parentheses around two pairs of terms, which isn't what the problem is asking for.

For each of the problems, 1) write it in standard form (there should be a definition of what this means in your book), and 2) state the degree of the polynomial (e.g., first degree, second degree, and so on) and the number of terms (e.g., monomial, binomial, and so on).
 
Do you know what "standard form" means? Do you know what "degree" means? If you were given these problems surely you are expected to know that.
 

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