Misidentifying the degree of a polynomial

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 130 views

Which Algebraic Expression is a Polynomial with a Degree of $5$ ?

Understanding Polynomials and Their Degrees

In mathematics, a polynomial is an expression consisting of variables and coefficients combined using only addition, subtraction, and multiplication. The degree of a polynomial is determined by the highest power of the variable in the expression. For instance, in the expression $ax^3 + bx^2 + cx + d$ , the degree is $3$ because the highest power of the variable $x$ is $3$ . In this article, we will explore which algebraic expression is a polynomial with a degree of $5$ .

What is a Polynomial with a Degree of $5$ ?

A polynomial with a degree of $5$ is an expression where the highest power of the variable is $5$ . This means that the term with the highest power of the variable must have an exponent of $5$ . For example, in the expression $ax^5 + bx^4 + cx^3 + dx^2 + ex + f$ , the degree is $5$ because the highest power of the variable $x$ is $5$ .

Analyzing the Options

Let's analyze each option to determine which one is a polynomial with a degree of $5$ .

Option A: $3x^5 + 8x^4y^2 - 9x^3y^3 - 6y^5$

This expression has several terms, but the highest power of the variable $x$ is $5$ . The term $3x^5$ has a degree of $5$ , and there are no other terms with a higher power of $x$ . However, the term $-6y^5$ also has a degree of $5$ , but it is not the highest power of the variable in the expression. Therefore, the degree of this expression is $5$ .

Option B: $2xy^4 + 4x^2y^3 - 6x^3y^2 - 7x^4$

This expression has several terms, but the highest power of the variable $x$ is $4$ . The term $-7x^4$ has a degree of $4$ , and there are no other terms with a higher power of $x$ . Therefore, the degree of this expression is $4$ , not $5$ .

Option C: $8y^6 + y^5 - 5xy^3 + 7x^2y^2 - x^3y - 6x^4$

This expression has several terms, but the highest power of the variable $x$ is $4$ . The term $-6x^4$ has a degree of $4$ , and there are no other terms with a higher power of $x$ . Therefore, the degree of this expression is $4$ , not $5$ .

Option D: $-6xy^5 + 5x^2y^3 - 3x^4y^2 + 2x^5y$

This expression has several terms, but the highest power of the variable $x$ is $5$ . The term $2x^5y$ has a degree of $5$ , and there are no other terms with a higher power of $x$ . Therefore, the degree of this expression is $5$ .

Conclusion

Based on the analysis of each option, the algebraic expression that is a polynomial with a degree of $5$ is Option A: $3x^5 + 8x^4y^2 - 9x^3y^3 - 6y^5$ and Option D: $-6xy^5 + 5x^2y^3 - 3x^4y^2 + 2x^5y$ . Both expressions have a term with a degree of $5$ , and there are no other terms with a higher power of the variable.

Understanding the Importance of Polynomial Degrees

Polynomial degrees are crucial in mathematics, particularly in algebra and calculus. The degree of a polynomial determines its behavior, such as its rate of growth or decay. For instance, a polynomial with a degree of $5$ will grow faster than a polynomial with a degree of $3$ . Understanding polynomial degrees is essential for solving equations, graphing functions, and analyzing mathematical models.

Real-World Applications of Polynomial Degrees

Polynomial degrees have numerous real-world applications, including:

Physics and Engineering: Polynomial degrees are used to model the behavior of physical systems, such as the motion of objects or the flow of fluids.
Economics: Polynomial degrees are used to model economic systems, such as the behavior of supply and demand.
Computer Science: Polynomial degrees are used to analyze the complexity of algorithms and data structures.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the algebraic expression that is a polynomial with a degree of $5$ is Option A: $3x^5 + 8x^4y^2 - 9x^3y^3 - 6y^5$ and Option D: $-6xy^5 + 5x^2y^3 - 3x^4y^2 + 2x^5y$ . Understanding polynomial degrees is essential for solving equations, graphing functions, and analyzing mathematical models. Polynomial degrees have numerous real-world applications, including physics, economics, and computer science.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Polynomials and Their Degrees

Q: What is a polynomial?

A: A polynomial is an expression consisting of variables and coefficients combined using only addition, subtraction, and multiplication. For example, $ax^2 + bx + c$ is a polynomial.

Q: What is the degree of a polynomial?

A: The degree of a polynomial is determined by the highest power of the variable in the expression. For instance, in the expression $ax^3 + bx^2 + cx + d$ , the degree is $3$ because the highest power of the variable $x$ is $3$ .

Q: How do I determine the degree of a polynomial?

A: To determine the degree of a polynomial, you need to identify the term with the highest power of the variable. For example, in the expression $ax^5 + bx^4 + cx^3 + dx^2 + ex + f$ , the degree is $5$ because the highest power of the variable $x$ is $5$ .

Q: What is the difference between a polynomial and a non-polynomial expression?

A: A polynomial expression is one that consists of variables and coefficients combined using only addition, subtraction, and multiplication. A non-polynomial expression, on the other hand, may include other operations, such as division or exponentiation.

Q: Can a polynomial have a negative degree?

A: No, a polynomial cannot have a negative degree. The degree of a polynomial is always a non-negative integer.

Q: Can a polynomial have a degree of zero?

A: Yes, a polynomial can have a degree of zero. For example, the expression $c$ is a polynomial with a degree of zero.

Q: What is the significance of polynomial degrees in mathematics?

A: Polynomial degrees are crucial in mathematics, particularly in algebra and calculus. The degree of a polynomial determines its behavior, such as its rate of growth or decay. For instance, a polynomial with a degree of $5$ will grow faster than a polynomial with a degree of $3$ .

Q: How do polynomial degrees relate to real-world applications?

A: Polynomial degrees have numerous real-world applications, including physics, economics, and computer science. For example, polynomial degrees are used to model the behavior of physical systems, such as the motion of objects or the flow of fluids.

Q: Can I use polynomial degrees to solve equations?

A: Yes, polynomial degrees can be used to solve equations. By analyzing the degree of a polynomial, you can determine the number of solutions to an equation.

Q: Can I use polynomial degrees to graph functions?

A: Yes, polynomial degrees can be used to graph functions. By analyzing the degree of a polynomial, you can determine the shape of a graph.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when working with polynomial degrees?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when working with polynomial degrees include:

Misidentifying the degree of a polynomial: Make sure to identify the term with the highest power of the variable.
Not considering the coefficients: The coefficients of a polynomial can affect its degree.
Not considering the variable: The variable of a polynomial can affect its degree.

Conclusion

In conclusion, polynomial degrees are a fundamental concept in mathematics, particularly in algebra and calculus. By understanding polynomial degrees, you can solve equations, graph functions, and analyze mathematical models. Polynomial degrees have numerous real-world applications, including physics, economics, and computer science.