Polynomial Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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polynomial
[ˌpɒlɪˈnoʊmiəl ]
Definition
mathematics
A polynomial is a mathematical expression consisting of variables, coefficients, and operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and non-negative integer exponentiation of variables. Common examples include expressions like x^2 + 2x + 1, which can be graphed as parabolas. Polynomials can be classified based on their degree, which is the highest exponent of the variable.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The polynomial x^3 - 4x^2 + 6x - 2 has a degree of 3.
- To find the roots of a polynomial, we can use factoring or the quadratic formula.
- Polynomials are essential for polynomial regression in statistics.
Translations
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Origin of 'polynomial'
The term 'polynomial' comes from the Greek word 'poly', meaning 'many', and 'nomial', which is derived from the Latin 'nomen', meaning 'term' or 'name'. The concept of polynomials has its roots in ancient mathematics, where mathematicians such as Euclid investigated geometric relationships that could be represented algebraically. Over time, the modern notation and formalism for polynomials developed further through the works of mathematicians in the Renaissance and beyond, providing a systematic way to express and solve problems. By the 18th century, the study of polynomials was well established, and they became central to various areas of mathematics, including algebra, calculus, and numerical analysis.