What is a Polynomial?

Polynomial is made up of two terms, namely Poly (meaning “many”) and Nominal (meaning
“terms.”). A polynomial is defined as an expression which is composed of variables,
constants and exponents, that are combined using mathematical operations such as
addition, subtraction, multiplication and division (No division operation by a variable).
Based on the number of terms present in the expression, it is classified as monomial,
binomial, and trinomial. Examples of constants, variables and exponents are as follows:

 Constants. Example: 1, 2, 3, etc.

 Variables. Example: g, h, x, y, etc.
 Exponents: Example: 5 in x5 etc.

Standard Form of a Polynomial

P(x) = anxn + an-1xn-1 +an-2xn-2 + ………………. + a1x + a0   
Where an, an-1, an-2, ……………………, a1, a0 are called coefficients of xn, xn-1, xn-2, ….., x and
constant term respectively and it should belong to real number (⋲ R).

Notation
The polynomial function is denoted by P(x) where x represents the variable. For example,
P(x) = x2-5x+11
If the variable is denoted by a, then the function will be P(a)

Degree of a Polynomial
The degree of a polynomial is defined as the highest exponent of a monomial within a
polynomial. Thus, a polynomial equation having one variable which has the largest
exponent is called a degree of the polynomial.
 Polynomial Degree Example

Zero Polynomial Not Defined 6

Constant 0 P(x)  = 6

Linear Polynomial 1 P(x) = 3x+1

Quadratic Polynomial 2 P(x) = 4x2+1x+1

Cubic Polynomial 3 P(x) = 6x3+4x2+3x+1

Quartic Polynomial 4 P(x) = 6x4+3x3+3x2+2x+1

Example: Find the degree of the polynomial P(x) = 6s4+ 3x2+ 5x +19
Solution:
The degree of the polynomial is 4 as the highest power of the variable 4.

Terms of a Polynomial
The terms of polynomials are the parts of the expression that are generally separated by
“+” or “-” signs. So, each part of a polynomial in an expression is a term. For example, in a
polynomial, say, 2x2 + 5 +4, the number of terms will be 3. The classification of a polynomial
is done based on the number of terms in it.

Polynomial Terms Degree

P(x) = x3-2x2+3x+4 x3, -2x2, 3x and 4 3

Types of Polynomials
Depending upon the number of terms, polynomials are divided into the following
categories:

 Monomial
 Binomial
 Trinomial
 Polynomial containing 4 terms (Quadronomial) 
 Polynomial containing 5 terms (pentanomial ) and so on …

These polynomials can be combined using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and

division but is never divided by a variable. A few examples of Non Polynomials are: 1/x+2,
x-3
Monomial
A monomial is an expression which contains only one term. For an expression to be a
monomial, the single term should be a non-zero term. A few examples of monomials are:

 5x
 3
 6a4
 -3xy

Binomial
A binomial is a polynomial expression which contains exactly two terms. A binomial can be
considered as a sum or difference between two or more monomials. A few examples of
binomials are:

 – 5x+3,
 6a4 + 17x
 xy2+xy

Trinomial
A trinomial is an expression which is composed of exactly three terms. A few examples of
trinomial expressions are:

 – 8a4+2x+7
 4x2 + 9x + 7
Monomial Binomial Trinomial

One Term Two terms Three terms

Example: x, 3y, 29, x/2 Example: x2+x, x3-2x, y+2 Example: x2+2x+20

Properties
Some of the important properties of polynomials along with some important polynomial
theorems are as follows:

Property 1: Division Algorithm

If a polynomial P(x) is divided by a polynomial G(x) results in quotient Q(x) with remainder
R(x), then,
P(x) = G(x) • Q(x) + R(x)
Where R(x)=0 or the degree of R(x) < the degree of G(x)

Property 2: Bezout’s Theorem

Polynomial P(x) is divisible by binomial (x – a) if and only if P(a) = 0.
Property 3: Remainder Theorem
If P(x) is divided by (x – a) with remainder r, then P(a) = r.

Property 4: Factor Theorem

A polynomial P(x) divided by Q(x) results in R(x) with zero remainders if and only if Q(x) is
a factor of P(x).
Learn More: Factor Theorem

Property 5: Intermediate Value Theorem

If P(x) is a polynomial, and P(x) ≠ P(y) for (x < y), then P(x) takes every value from P(x) to
P(y) in the closed interval [x, y].
Learn More: Intermediate Value Theorem

Property 6
The addition, subtraction and multiplication of polynomials P and Q result in a polynomial
where,
Degree(P ± Q) ≤ Degree(P or Q)
Degree(P × Q) = Degree(P) + Degree(Q)

Property 7
If a polynomial P is divisible by a polynomial Q, then every zero of Q is also a zero of P.

Property 8
If a polynomial P is divisible by two co-prime polynomials Q and R, then it is divisible by (Q
• R).

Property 9
If P(x) = a0 + a1x + a2x2 + …… + anxn is a polynomial such that deg(P) = n ≥ 0 then, P has at
most “n” distinct roots.

Property 10: Descartes’ Rule of Sign

The number of positive real zeroes in a polynomial function P(x) is the same or less than by
an even number as the number of changes in the sign of the coefficients. So, if there are “K”
sign changes, the number of roots will be “k” or “(k – a)”, where “a” is some even number.

Property 11: Fundamental Theorem of Algebra

Every non-constant single-variable polynomial with complex coefficients has at least one
complex zero.

Property 12
If P(x) is a polynomial with real coefficients and has one complex zero (x = a – bi), then x = a
+ bi will also be a zero of P(x). Also, x2 – 2ax + a2 + b2 will be a factor of P(x).
Polynomial Equations
Polynomial equations are those expressions which are made up of multiple constants and
variables. The standard form of writing a polynomial equation is to put the highest degree
first and then, at last, the constant term. An example of a polynomial equation is:
0 = a4 +3a3 -2a2 +a +1

Polynomial Functions
A polynomial function is an expression constructed with one or more terms of variables
with constant exponents. If there are real numbers denoted by a, then function with one
variable and of degree n can be written as:
f(x) = a0xn + a1xn-1 + a2xn-2 + ….. + an-2x2 + an-1x + an

Solving Polynomials
Any polynomial can be easily solved using basic algebra and factorization concepts. While
solving the polynomial equation, the first step is to set the right-hand side as 0. The
explanation of a polynomial solution is explained in two different ways:

 Solving Linear Polynomials

 Solving Quadratic Polynomials

Solving Linear Polynomials

Getting the solution of linear polynomials is easy and simple. First, isolate the variable term
and make the equation as equal to zero. Then solve as basic algebra operation. An example
of finding the solution of a linear equation is given below:
Example: Solve 3x – 9
Solution:
First, make the equation as 0. So,
3x – 9 = 0
⇒ 3x = 9
⇒ x = 9/3
Or, x = 3.
Thus, the solution of 3x-9 is x = 3.
Solving Quadratic Polynomials
To solve a quadratic polynomial, first, rewrite the expression in the descending order of
degree. Then, equate the equation and perform polynomial factorization to get the solution
of the equation. An example to find the solution of a quadratic polynomial is given below
for better understanding.
Example: Solve 3x2 – 6x + x3 – 18

Solution:
First, arrange the polynomial in the descending order of degree and equate to zero.
⇒ x3 + 3x2 -6x – 18 = 0
Now, take the common terms.
x2(x+3) – 6(x+3) =0
⇒ (x2-6)(x+3)=0
So, the solutions will be x =-3 or
x2 = 6
Or, x = ±√6

More Polynomials Related Resources:

Remainder Theorem And Polynomials Algebraic Expressions

Polynomials Worksheets Zeros Of polynomial

Polynomial Operations
There are four main polynomial operations which are:

 Addition of Polynomials
 Subtraction of Polynomials
 Multiplication of Polynomials
 Division of Polynomials
Each of the operations on polynomials is explained below using solved examples.
Addition of Polynomials
To add polynomials, always add the like terms, i.e. the terms having the same variable and
power. The addition of polynomials always results in a polynomial of the same degree. For
example,
Example: Find the sum of two polynomials: 5x3+3x2y+4xy−6y2, 3x2+7x2y−2xy+4xy2−5
Solution:
First, combine the like terms while leaving the unlike terms as they are. Hence,
(5x3+3x2y+4xy−6y2)+(3x2+7x2y−2xy+4xy2−5)
= 5x3+3x2+(3+7)x2y+(4−2)xy+4xy2−6y2−5
= 5x3+3x2+10x2y+2xy+4xy2−6y2−5

Subtraction of Polynomials
Subtracting polynomials is similar to addition, the only difference being the type of
operation. So, subtract the like terms to obtain the solution. It should be noted that
subtraction of polynomials also results in a polynomial of the same degree.
Example: 
Find the difference of two polynomials: 5x3+3x2y+4xy−6y2, 3x2+7x2y−2xy+4xy2−5

Solution:
First, combine the like terms while leaving the unlike terms as they are. Hence,
(5x3+3x2y+4xy−6y2)-(3x2+7x2y−2xy+4xy2−5)
= 5x3-3x2+(3-7)x2y+(4+2)xy-4xy2−6y2+5
= 5x3-3x2-4x2y+6xy-4xy2−6y2+5

Multiplication of Polynomials
Two or more polynomial when multiplied always result in a polynomial of higher degree
(unless one of them is a constant polynomial). An example of multiplying polynomials is
given below:

Example: Solve (6x−3y)×(2x+5y)
Solution:
⇒ 6x ×(2x+5y)–3y × (2x+5y) ———- Using distributive law of multiplication
⇒ (12x2+30xy) – (6yx+15y2) ———- Using distributive law of multiplication
⇒12x2+30xy–6xy–15y2 —————– as xy = yx
Thus, (6x−3y)×(2x+5y)=12x2+24xy−15y2
Division of Polynomials
Division of two polynomial may or may not result in a polynomial. Let us study below the
division of polynomials in detail. To divide polynomials, follow the given steps:
Polynomial Division Steps:
If a polynomial has more than one term, we use long division method for the same.
Following are the steps for it.

1. Write the polynomial in descending order.

2. Check the highest power and divide the terms by the same.
3. Use the answer in step 2 as the division symbol.
4. Now subtract it and bring down the next term.
5. Repeat steps 2 to 4 until you have no more terms to carry down.
6. Note the final answer, including remainder, will be in the fraction form (last subtract
term).

Polynomial Examples
Example:
Given two polynomial 7s3+2s2+3s+9 and 5s2+2s+1.
Solve these using mathematical operation.
Solution:
Given polynomial:
7s3+2s2+3s+9 and 5s2+2s+1
Polynomial Addition: (7s3+2s2+3s+9) + (5s2+2s+1)
= 7s3+(2s2+5s2)+(3s+2s)+(9+1)
= 7s3+7s2+5s+10
Hence, addition results in a polynomial.
Polynomial Subtraction: (7s3+2s2+3s+9) – (5s2+2s+1)
= 7s3+(2s2-5s2)+(3s-2s)+(9-1)
= 7s3-3s2+s+8
Hence, addition results in a polynomial.
Polynomial Multiplication: (7s3+2s2+3s+9) × (5s2+2s+1)
= 7s3 (5s2+2s+1)+2s2 (5s2+2s+1)+3s (5s2+2s+1)+9 (5s2+2s+1))
= (35s5+14s4+7s3)+ (10s4+4s3+2s2)+ (15s3+6s2+3s)+(45s2+18s+9)
= 35s5+(14s4+10s4)+(7s3+4s3+15s3)+ (2s2+6s2+45s2)+ (3s+18s)+9
= 35s5+24s4+26s3+ 53s2+ 21s +9
Polynomial Division: (7s3+2s2+3s+9) ÷ (5s2+2s+1)
(7s3+2s2+3s+9)/(5s2+2s+1)
This cannot be simplified. Therefore, division of these polynomial do not result in a
Polynomial.
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Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

What is a Polynomial?
A polynomial is an expression that consists of variables (or indeterminate), terms,
exponents and constants. For example, 3x2 -2x-10 is a polynomial.

What are terms, degrees and exponents in a polynomial?

If 2x2 – 3x +19 is a polynomial, then;
Terms: 2x2,-3x & 19
Degree: 2 (the highest exponent of variable x)
Exponents: Power raised to variable x, i.e. 2 and 1.

What is the standard form of the polynomial?

A standard polynomial is the one where the highest degree is the first term, and
subsequently, the other terms come. For example, x 3 – 3x2 + x -12 is a standard polynomial.
So the highest degree here is 3, then comes 2 and then 1.

What is the degree of zero and constant polynomial?

The degree of zero polynomial is not defined while the degree of a constant polynomial is 1.

Is 8 a polynomial?
8 can be written as 8x0 or 0x2+0x+8, which represents the polynomial expression.
Therefore, we can consider 8 as a polynomial.

How to add and subtract polynomials?

To add polynomials, always add the like terms, i.e. the terms having the same variable and
power. The addition of polynomials always results in a polynomial of the same degree.
For example if we add x2+3x and 2x2 + 2x + 9, then we get:
x2+3x+2x2+2x+9 = 3x2+5x+9. Subtracting polynomials is similar to addition, the only
difference being the type of operation. So, subtract the like terms to obtain the solution. It
should be noted that subtraction of polynomials also results in a polynomial of the same
degree.

So,
x2+3x-(2x2+2x+9) = x2+3x-2x2-2x-9 = -x2+x-9
Polynomial Equations
Polynomial equations are one of the significant concepts of Mathematics, where the relation
between numbers and variables are explained in a pattern. In Maths, we have studied a variety of
equations formed with algebraic expressions. When we talk about polynomials, it is also a form
of the algebraic equation.

What is a Polynomial Equation?

The equations formed with variables, exponents and coefficients are called as polynomial
equations. It can have different exponents, where the higher one is called the degree of the
equation. We can solve polynomials by factoring them in terms of degree and variables present
in the equation.
A polynomial function is an expression which consists of a single independent variable, where
the variable can occur in the equation more than one time with different degree of the exponent.
Students will also learn here how to solve these polynomial functions. The graph of a polynomial
function can also be drawn using turning points, intercepts, end behaviour and the Intermediate
Value Theorem.
Example of polynomial function:
f(x) = 3x + 5x + 19
2 

Read More: Polynomial Functions

Polynomial Equations Formula

Usually, the polynomial equation is expressed in the form of a (x ). Here a is the coefficient, x is
n
n

the variable and n is the exponent. As we have already discussed in the introduction part, the
value of exponent should always be a positive integer.
If we expand the polynomial equation we get;

f(x) = anxn + an-1xn-1 + an-2xn-2 + …….. + a1x +a0 = 0

This is the general expression and it can also be expressed as;
n
f ( x )=∑ ak n =0
k

k=0

Example of a polynomial equation is: 2x + 3x + 1 = 0, where 2x + 3x + 1 is basically a

2  2 

polynomial expression which has been set equal to zero, to form a polynomial equation.

Types of Polynomial Equation

A polynomial equation is basically of four types;

1. Monomial Equations
2. Binomial Equations
3. Trinomial or Cubic Equations
4. Linear Polynomial Equations
5. Quadratic Polynomial Equations
6. Cubic Polynomial Equation
Monomial Equation:
An equation which has only one variable term is called a Monomial equation. This is also called
a linear equation. It can be expressed in the algebraic form of;
ax + b = 0
For Example:

 4x + 1 = 0
 5y = 2
 8z – 3 = 0

Binomial Equations:
An equation which has only two variable terms and is followed by one variable term is called a
Binomial equation. This is also in the form of the quadratic equation. It can be expressed in the
algebraic form of;
ax + bx + c = 0
2 

For Example:

 2x + 5x + 20 = 0
2 

 3x – 4x + 12 = 0
2 

Trinomial Equations:
An equation which has only three variable terms and is followed by two variable and one
variable term is called a Trinomial equation. This is also called a cubic equation. In other words,
a polynomial equation which has a degree of three is called a cubic polynomial equation or
trinomial polynomial equation.
Since the power of the variable is the maximum up to 3, therefore, we get three values for a
variable, say x.
It is expressed as;
a  x  + a x  + a x + a = 0, a ≠ 0
0
3
1
2
2 3 

or
ax + bx  + cx + d = 0
3  2

For Example:

 3x + 12x  – 8x – 10 = 0
3  2

 9x + 5x  – 4x – 2 = 0
3  2

To get the value of x, we generally use, trial and error method, in which we start putting the
value of x randomly, to get the given expression as 0. If for both sides of the polynomial
equation, we get 0 ,then the value of x is considered as one of its roots. After that we can find the
other two values of x.

Let us take an example:

Problem: y – y + y – 1 = 0 is a cubic polynomial equation. Find the roots of it.
3  2 
Solution: y – y + y – 1 = 0 is the given equation.
3  2 

By trial and error method, start putting the value of x.

If y = -1, then,
(-1) – (-1)  -1 + 1 = 0
3  2

-1 – 1 – 1 – 1 = 0
-4 ≠ 0
If y = 1, then,
1–1+1–1=0
3  2 

0=0
Therefore, one of the roots is 1.
y=1
(y – 1) is one of the factors.
Now dividing the given equation with (y – 1), we get,
(y – 1) (y +  1) = 0 2 

Therefore, the roots are y = 1 which is a real number and y + 1 gives complex numbers or
2 

imaginary numbers.

Quadratic Polynomial Equation

A polynomial equation which has a degree as two is called a quadratic equation. The expression
for the quadratic equation is:
ax + bx + c = 0; a ≠ 0
2 

Here, a, b, and c are real numbers. The roots of quadratic equations will be two values for the
variable x. These can be found by using the quadratic formula as:
−b ± √ b −4 ac
2
x=
2a