Final answer:
To simplify a polynomial in descending order, rearrange the terms from highest to lowest powers of x. To evaluate the polynomial, substitute the given value of x into the simplified expression.
Step-by-step explanation:
Descending order refers to arranging the terms of a polynomial in decreasing powers of x. To simplify a polynomial in descending order, you need to rearrange the terms from highest to lowest powers of x. Example: If the polynomial is 3x^2 + 2x + 1, in descending order it would be 3x^2 + 2x + 1.
To evaluate the polynomial for n = -0.25, substitute -0.25 for x in the simplified polynomial. Example: If the simplified polynomial is 3x^2 + 2x + 1, substitute -0.25 for x to get the numerical value of the polynomial.