Algebra IB
Unit 2 Lesson 2 Introduction to Polynomials
(blue text, take the time to finish the notes or explanations needed)
(orange text, try to follow the directions through the lesson)
Essential Questions
After completing this lesson, you will be able to answer the following question:


What are the parts that make up a polynomial expression, and how are they used to
classify polynomials?
How do you view one or more of the parts of a polynomial expression as a single unit and
interpret it in a context?
CLASSIFYING POLYNOMIALS
Polynomial : _______________________________________________________________
Prefix and the meaning
PREFIX
MEANING
Mono
Bi
Tri
poly
Classifying Polynomials by Term
Term: _One letter, number or product of letters and numbers (monomials) (EX: 2 or 2x or x)__
(work through the “game time” on page 2, and the “Try it” on page 2)
Classifying Polynomials by Degree
Degree: _______________________________________________________________________
(work through the “Try it” on page 4)
To find the degree of a polynomial;
1. Find the degree of the terms
2. Identify the highest degree of the terms (circle it)
3. Classify the expression using the degree number and the prefixed term of the polynomial
EX: 1-10x2+ 2y4
1. Rewrite in decreasing order 2y4 – 10x2 +1
2. The highest degree was the 2y^4 (so, forth degree)
3. Three terms (so, trinomial)
4. This is a 4th degree trinomial
REMINDERS:
When finding a degree of a term, remember: there is an exponent of 1 after a variable with no
exponent!
When there is no variable in a term remember: the degree of the term is always zero!
When writing a polynomial in standard form, remember: the polynomial is written in decreasing order!
FACTORING
Factor: _________________________________________________________________
when working through a story problem;
1. Think of each part of the problem
2. Each part of the problem is a factor in the polynomial
3. Write an equation that fits that problem to solve
EX: I have to place CDs in a sleeve for packing. I have x boxes of CDs each day. I have 1
more CD than the number of boxes I pack. There are 2 sleeves in each box. How many CD;s
do I pack each day?
1. X boxes per day
2. X+1 (one more CD than the number of boxes)
3. In this case 2 sleeves (multiply by 2)
4. THE EQUATION x times 2 times x+1
xˑ2(x+1)
(work through the ”practice” on pages 6 and 7) (print out the review if on page 9 for notes) (use notes
and examples to aide you while you take the quiz)