How do you determine if #3y^2-2# is a polynomial and if so, is it a monomial, binomial, or trinomial?

1 Answer
Shantelle
Oct 8, 2017

#3y^2 - 2# is a binomial.
Some people believe that polynomials must have more than 2 terms while others believe it must have 2 OR more.

Explanation:

Definitions:
Monomial: consisting of ONE term
Binomial: consisting of TWO terms
Trinomial: consisting of THREE terms
Polynomial: consisting of SEVERAL terms

#3y^2 - 2# has TWO terms, so it is a binomial
Some people believe that polynomials must have more than 2 terms while others believe it must have 2 OR more.

Poly means many, or at least more than one. So technically, a binomial is a polynomial.

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