Final answer:
The degree of the highest exponent in a polynomial determines whether it is constant, linear, quadratic, cubic, or quartic. Constant polynomials have no variable term, whereas linear, quadratic, cubic, and quartic polynomials have respective degrees of 1, 2, 3, and 4.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine whether a polynomial is constant, linear, quadratic, cubic, or quartic, you must identify its highest degree exponent (the greatest power of the variable within the polynomial). A constant polynomial has no variable terms and is written in the form y = c, where c is a constant. A linear polynomial has the highest power of 1 and takes the form y = mx + b, where m and b are constants, and x is the variable. A quadratic polynomial has a degree of 2, represented by the function y = ax² + bx + c. A cubic polynomial has a degree of 3, expressed as y = ax³ + bx² + cx + d. Lastly, a quartic polynomial has a degree of 4 and is in the form y = ax⁴ + bx³ + cx² + dx + e.