Polynomial Expressions & Equations

A polynomial, or polynomial expression, is an algebraic expression consisting of a sum of terms with increasing exponents(degree) from right to left. For example,



The highest value of exponents for the above polynomial is 2. We say that this polynomial is of degree 2 or a quadratic expression. Similarly, a polynomial of degree 3 or a cubic expression is a polynomial where the highest value of exponents is 3 and with 4 terms.

A polynomial equation, also called algebraic equation itself, is an equation with the equal(=) sign that consists of a polynomial on both sides. For example,



is a polynomial equation in the general form where the left hand side equals to the right hand side. Normally we write a polynomial in its general form, where the right hand side is 0.

Polynomial Functions
A polynomial function, is a function itself with its object x is mapped onto its image f(x) by a polynomial. For example,



means that the object x is mapped onto f(x) by the polynomial x3-x.