Question

Four polynomials are shown below:

A. 3 − 7x5 + x2
B. 5x3 + 5 − 3x
C. 3x + 2x3 − x2 + 6 + 2x
D. 3x3 − 5 + 2x5 + x + 2x2
Which of the above polynomials is a 5th degree trinomial? (1 point)
Polynomial A Polynomial B Polynomial C Polynomial D

Answer 1

Polynomial D

Explanation:

D. 3x3 − 5 + 2x5 + x + 2x2

Answer 2

The degree of a polynomial is the value of the highest exponent a variable is raised to (i.e., the degree of the equation
`y=x^(2)` is 2, since the highest exponent of a variable is 2.

If we apply this concept to your list of polynomials, we see that polynomial A and polynomial D both have
`x^(5)` terms, so they are both fifth-degree polynomials. However, your answer must also be a trinomial (a polynomial with three terms.) If we look at polynomials A and D, we see that only polynomial A has three terms, so that must be the answer!

Let me know if you have any questions :)