The degree of 2x⁵ + 9x³ − 4 is decided by which term?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: 2x⁵
The governing concept is the degree of a polynomial: for a non-zero polynomial in one variable, its degree is the greatest exponent of the variable having a non-zero coefficient. In 2x⁵ + 9x³ − 4, the powers of x are 5, 3 and 0 respectively. The largest of these is 5, and the corresponding term is 2x⁵. Therefore, option A is correct. The coefficient 2 does not determine the degree; it only gives the numerical coefficient of the leading term. The term 9x³ has a smaller exponent, the constant term −4 has degree zero, and 9 alone is not a term of the given polynomial. Thus the highest-power term, not the largest coefficient or the last term written, determines the degree.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
2x⁵
Why is this the correct answer?
The governing concept is the degree of a polynomial: for a non-zero polynomial in one variable, its degree is the greatest exponent of the variable having a non-zero coefficient. In 2x⁵ + 9x³ − 4, the powers of x are 5, 3 and 0 respectively. The largest of these is 5, and the corresponding term is 2x⁵. Therefore, option A is correct. The coefficient 2 does not determine the degree; it only gives the numerical coefficient of the leading term. The term 9x³ has a smaller exponent, the constant term −4 has degree zero, and 9 alone is not a term of the given polynomial. Thus the highest-power term, not the largest coefficient or the last term written, determines the degree.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 9 Mathematics question. Chapter: Introduction to Polynomials. Topic: Degree of a Polynomial.
Student feedback
Was this question useful?
👍 0 Helpful 👎 0 Not helpful
Yes 0% No 0%
0 responsesStudent Reviews
No published reviews yet.
