Polynomial Power: Classifying by Degree and Terms

Algebra 2 Grades High School 4:53 Video
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Lesson Description

Learn to classify polynomials like a pro! This lesson covers classifying polynomials by their degree (constant, linear, quadratic, etc.) and the number of terms (monomial, binomial, trinomial, etc.).

Video Resource

How to Classify Polynomials by Degree and Number of Terms (10 Examples)

Mario's Math Tutoring

Duration: 4:53
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Polynomial
  • Degree of a polynomial
  • Number of terms in a polynomial

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to define a polynomial and its components.
  • Students will be able to classify polynomials by degree (constant, linear, quadratic, cubic, quartic, quintic, etc.).
  • Students will be able to classify polynomials by the number of terms (monomial, binomial, trinomial, polynomial with n terms).

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by reviewing the definition of a polynomial, monomial, and terms. Briefly discuss examples of what is and isn't a polynomial. Mention that the degree and number of terms help to understand the polynomial's behavior.
  • Video Viewing (15 mins)
    Play the "How to Classify Polynomials by Degree and Number of Terms (10 Examples)" video by Mario's Math Tutoring. Instruct students to take notes on the different classifications.
  • Guided Practice (15 mins)
    Work through additional examples similar to those in the video as a class. Have students identify the degree and number of terms, then classify the polynomial. Encourage them to explain their reasoning.
  • Independent Practice (15 mins)
    Provide students with a worksheet containing a variety of polynomial expressions. Students should classify each polynomial by its degree and number of terms.
  • Review and Wrap-up (10 mins)
    Review the answers to the independent practice worksheet. Address any remaining questions. Summarize the key concepts of classifying polynomials by degree and the number of terms.

Interactive Exercises

  • Polynomial Sorting
    Create a set of cards with different polynomial expressions written on them. Have students work in groups to sort the cards based on their degree and number of terms.
  • Whiteboard Challenge
    Present a polynomial expression on the whiteboard. Have students race to correctly classify the polynomial on their individual whiteboards.

Discussion Questions

  • Why is it important to understand the degree of a polynomial?
  • Can a polynomial have more than one degree? Explain.
  • How does the number of terms affect the name we give a polynomial?

Skills Developed

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Problem-solving
  • Classification

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What is the degree of the polynomial 5x³ - 2x + 1?

Correct Answer: 3

Question 2:

Which of the following is a binomial?

Correct Answer: 4x - 5

Question 3:

A polynomial with a degree of 2 is called?

Correct Answer: Quadratic

Question 4:

How many terms are in the polynomial 2x⁴ + 3x² - x + 5?

Correct Answer: 4

Question 5:

Which of the following is a constant monomial?

Correct Answer: 7

Question 6:

What is the name of a polynomial with four terms?

Correct Answer: Polynomial with four terms

Question 7:

A polynomial with a degree of 5 is called?

Correct Answer: Quintic

Question 8:

Which of the following is a linear binomial?

Correct Answer: 3x - 2

Question 9:

What is the degree of the polynomial 7x - 4x⁵ + 2x² ?

Correct Answer: 5

Question 10:

Which of the following is a trinomial?

Correct Answer: x² + 2x + 1

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

A polynomial with one term is called a _________.

Correct Answer: monomial

Question 2:

The highest exponent in a polynomial determines its _________.

Correct Answer: degree

Question 3:

A polynomial with two terms is called a _________.

Correct Answer: binomial

Question 4:

A second-degree polynomial is also known as a _________ polynomial.

Correct Answer: quadratic

Question 5:

A polynomial with three terms is called a _________.

Correct Answer: trinomial

Question 6:

A zero-degree polynomial is called a _________.

Correct Answer: constant

Question 7:

A first-degree polynomial is also known as a _________ polynomial.

Correct Answer: linear

Question 8:

A third-degree polynomial is also known as a _________ polynomial.

Correct Answer: cubic

Question 9:

The terms in a polynomial are separated by _________ or _________ signs.

Correct Answer: plus

Question 10:

A fourth-degree polynomial is also known as a _________ polynomial.

Correct Answer: quartic

Educational Standards

A2.A.2.2:Add, subtract, multiply, divide, and simplify polynomial expressions. A2.F.1.5:Analyze the graph of a polynomial function by identifying the domain, range, intercepts, zeros, relative maxima, relative minima, and intervals of increase and decrease.

Teaching Materials

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