Choose the correct classification of 5x + 3x² - 7x³ + 2.
Third degree polynomial
Fourth degree trinomial
Sixth degree polynomial
First degree binomial

Solution:

The expression 5x + 3x² - 7x³ + 2 is a polynomial comprising 4 terms including the constant.

The highest power of the variable x is 3.

Therefore the degree of the polynomial is 3.

Therefore the given expression is a third-degree polynomial.

Let us take another example to explain the concept of degree in a polynomial further:

Choose the correct classification of 25a²bc³ - 35ab²c³ + 45a³bc²

If you add the powers of each of terms of the polynomial 25a²bc³ - 35ab²c³ + 45a³bc², they add up to 5.

25a²bc³ = sum of powers 2 + 3 = 5

35ab²c³ = sum of powers 2 + 3 = 5

45a³bc² = sum of powers 3 + 2 = 5

Hence the given polynomial is a fifth degree polynomial.

Choose the correct classification of 5x + 3x² - 7x³ + 2.

Summary:

The correct classification of 5x + 3x² - 7x³ + 2 is that it is a third degree polynomial