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Introduction to Polynomials
Introduction to Polynomials — from OpenStax Prealgebra 2e.
Introduction to Polynomials
Expressions known as polynomials are used widely in algebra. Applications of these expressions are essential to many careers, including economists, engineers, and scientists. In this chapter, we will find out what polynomials are and how to manipulate them through basic mathematical operations.
Symbols used here
Both signs at once: x = 3 ± 2 means 5 and 1.
The two sides are different.
Inequalities that allow equality; < and > exclude it.
Equal to the precision shown, not exactly.
The non-negative number whose square (n-th power) is x.
What is left after dividing a by n.
Per hundred: 15% = 15/100.
a for every b; a divided by b.
Questions people ask
Why does the order of operations matter?
Because 2 + 3 × 4 would otherwise be two different numbers. The convention (brackets, exponents, multiplication and division, addition and subtraction) exists so every reader gets the same value from the same expression.
How do I check an arithmetic answer?
Estimate first (round every number and compute roughly), then compare. If the estimate and the exact answer disagree by more than a little, one of them is wrong. The solver shows every operation, so you can find which line went astray.
Why are fractions harder than decimals?
They are not harder, they are more exact: 1/3 is a precise number, 0.333 is an approximation. Fractions need a common denominator to add, which is the one extra step people trip on.
Kokeile omaasi
Parts of this page are adapted from OpenStax Prealgebra 2e (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0). Condensed and re-explained here; errors are ours.