What is the degree of 3x^4y^2 - 5x^2y + 3?

2 Answers
Jun 26, 2015

It is degree 6.

Explanation:

The degree of a term (a monomial) is the sum of the exponents on the variables. The degree of a polynomial is equal to the degree of the term of the highest degree term with non-zero coefficient.

The degree of 3x^4y^2 is 6, because 4+2 = 6

The degree of -5x^2y is 3, because 2+1 = 3

The degree of 3 is 0, because no variable to a positive power appears.

The degree of 3x^4y^2-5x^2y+3 is the greatest of those degree, so it is 6.

Jun 28, 2015

The degree is 6 and it is on the first term 3x4y2.

Explanation:

You must use exponential rules. When multiplying, sum the exponents. 4 + 2 = 6.