Question

Which polynomial is in standard form? A) 5x6 − 6x8 + 7x9 + 9 B) x2 + 2x3 − 3x4 + 3x5 C) 3x3 − 5x2 + 7x4 + 9x3 D) 2x5 − 6x3 + 3x2 − x

Answer 1

Answer: choice D

2x^5 - 6x^3 + 3x^2 - x

Explanation:

Polynomials in standard form always have the exponents decrease (ie go from largest to smallest) when we read from left to right. For choice D, the exponents from left to right are: 5, 3, 2, 1. This is decreasing order. The other answer choices do not have the exponents in decreasing order. The degree of the polynomial in choice D is a 5th degree polynomial since 5 is the largest exponent.