What is the degree of the polynomial #5x^5 + 8x^2 + 2x - 3x^9 - 8x^4 - 4x^5#?

1 Answer
BeeFree
Nov 23, 2015

The degree will equal the value of the highest exponent(s) on a term .

Explanation:

This polynomial has a degree of 9 .

Note that #9# is the highest exponent showing up on #-3x^9#

As another example, you can have several variables combined within a term, but it is the sum of the exponents that determines the highest degree:

#5x^10-3x^2+13x^6y^6+7#

Although #10# appears to be the highest degree, do not be tricked! The correct degree for this polynomial is #12#, which is the sum of the exponents on #13x^6y^6#

hope that helped

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