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Polynomials

Definition

\[ f(x)=a_0 + a_1x + a_2x^2 + a_3x^3 + \cdots + a_nx^n, \] where the $a_i$s are the coefficients.

Parameters

  • $n$: the degree of the polynomial. A polynomial of degree $n$ has $n+1$ coefficients $a_i$.
  • $a_0$: the constant term.
  • $a_1$: the linear coefficient, or first order coefficient.
  • $a_2$: the quadratic coefficient.
  • $a_3$: the cubic coefficient.
  • $a_n$: the $n$th order coefficient.

Properties

  • The sum of two polynomials is also a polynomial.
 
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