How do you find the degree of #3x-8#?

1 Answer
marfre
Jul 11, 2017

Degree = 1

Explanation:

The degree of a polynomial is based on the highest exponent on the variable. Usually you would put the polynomial in descending order (highest exponent first, etc.)

Given: #3x - 8#

The exponent is implicit, meaning the 1 on the #x# is inferred: #3x^1 - 8#

If you have a polynomial: #5x + 4x^3 -x^2 + 9#.

Putting the polynomial in descending order:#" "4x^3 -x^2 + 5x + 9#

It would have degree = #3#, because the #4x^3# term has an exponent of #3#

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