Polynomials in One Variable

Polynomials in one variable are algebraic expressions that are of the form axⁿ where n is a non-negative (i.e. positive or zero) integer and a is a real number, called the coefficient of the term. The degree of a polynomial in one variable is the largest exponent in the polynomial.

Polynomials in one variable are those expressions in which there is only one variable present. In mathematics, a polynomial is an expression that consists of variables and coefficients, involving the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and exponentiation of variables. The word "polynomial" contains two words, namely, “poly" and “nomials”. "Poly" means many, and "nomials" means terms. Hence an expression containing many terms is called polynomials, having variables and coefficients.

Some examples of polynomials in one variable are given below:

• x² + 3x − 2
• 3y³ + 2y² − y+ 1
• m⁴ − 5m² + 8m − 3

To learn about the classification of one variable polynomial based on degree, let us first understand the meaning of the degree of a polynomial. The highest power of the variable in a polynomial is called the degree of the polynomial. For example, in the following equation: x² + 2 x + 4, the degree of the polynomial is 2, i.e., the highest power of the variable in the polynomial.

Based on the degree of a polynomial in one variable, it can be classified into 4 types:

• Zero or constant polynomial
• Linear polynomial
• Quadratic polynomial
• Cubic polynomial

For a multivariable polynomial, the degree is the highest sum of powers of different variables in any of the terms in the expression.

Zero or Constant Polynomial

A polynomial having 0 as the degree of the polynomial is termed as zero or constant polynomial. Such polynomials only have constant terms with no variable. 2, which we can also write as 2x⁰, is an example of zero polynomial.

Linear Polynomial

A polynomial with 1 as the degree of the polynomial is termed a linear polynomial. Linear polynomials can have multiple variables. So, we consider linear polynomial in one variable as a type of polynomial in one variable. Examples - x + 7, 3y − 27, 7z + 17/2

Quadratic Polynomial

A quadratic polynomial is a polynomial of degree 2, i.e, the highest exponent of the variable is 2. Examples - x² + 7x + 12, 2m² − 5m + 32, 8y² − 2

Cubic Polynomial

A cubic polynomial is a polynomial of degree 3, i.e, the highest exponent of the variable is 3. Examples - 4y³ − 8, x³ + 5x² − 6x − 4, 5z³ − 3/4

Solving polynomials refers to finding their roots. A root or zero of a polynomial is the value for which the given polynomial is equal to zero. The first step in solving any polynomial is to find its degree. As discussed above the degree of a polynomial with one variable is the largest exponent of that variable. Thus,

• Linear polynomials can have multiple variables but these polynomials have only one solution.
• Quadratic polynomials in one variable have only two solutions possible.
• Cubic polynomials in one variable have only three solutions possible.

Related Articles

Given below is a list of topics related to polynomials in one variable.

• Variables, Constants and Expressions
• Algebraic Expressions
• Linear Equations
• Polynomial Expressions
• Types of Polynomials
• Linear, Quadratic and Cubic Polynomials

What Is the Definition of Polynomials in One Variable?

Polynomials in one variable are those expressions in which only one variable is present. For example, y² + 6y + 10, 3n² − 8n + 9, 20y² − 40.

What Are the Examples of Polynomials in One Variable?

Some examples of polynomials in one variable are 3x² + 4x − 7, 5y − 7, 7z³ − 10.

How To Determine the Polynomial in One Variable?

To determine whether a polynomial is in one variable, we just have to see how many variables are present in the expression. If there is only one variable, let's say x in the polynomial, we consider it as a polynomial in one variable.

How To Find the Degree of Polynomial in One Variable?

For a polynomial in one variable, the highest power of the variable in a polynomial is the degree of the polynomial. For example, in the following equation: x³ + 2 x² + 3 x + 7, the degree of the polynomial is 3, i.e., the highest power of the variable in the polynomial.

How Many Terms Can a Quadratic Polynomial in One Variable Have?

A quadratic polynomial in one variable can have a minimum of one term and a maximum of 3 terms. The standard form of a quadratic polynomial in one variable is Ax² + Bx + C.

How Many Terms Can a Cubic Polynomial in One Variable Have?

A cubic polynomial in one variable can have a minimum of one term and a maximum of 4 terms. The standard form of a cubic polynomial in one variable is Ax³ + Bx² + Cx + D.