Problem 5 - College Algebra

Question

Find the degree of the polynomial. $$3 x^{2}-5 x+4$$

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The degree of the polynomial \(3x^2 - 5x + 4\) is 2.

Step 1: Identify the terms of the polynomial

The polynomial is made up of three terms: \(3x^2\), \(-5x\), and \(4\).

Step 2: Identify the powers of the variable in each term

In the first term, \(3x^2\), the power of \(x\) is 2. In the second term, \(-5x\), the power of \(x\) is 1. The third term, \(4\), is a constant and contains no variable.

Step 3: Find the highest power

Of the identified powers, 2 is the highest. Therefore, the degree of the polynomial is 2.