Which condition is correct for (a) in the linear polynomial (ax+b)?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: \(a\neq 0\)
The polynomial \(ax+b\) has degree 1 only when the coefficient of \(x\), \(a\), is non-zero. If \(a=0\), the expression becomes the constant \(b\), so it is not a linear polynomial. Also, \(b\) need not be non-zero: \(ax\), where \(a\neq 0\), is still linear. Exam tip: determine the degree from the highest power of the variable with a non-zero coefficient.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
\(a\neq 0\)
Why is this the correct answer?
The polynomial \(ax+b\) has degree 1 only when the coefficient of \(x\), \(a\), is non-zero. If \(a=0\), the expression becomes the constant \(b\), so it is not a linear polynomial. Also, \(b\) need not be non-zero: \(ax\), where \(a\neq 0\), is still linear. Exam tip: determine the degree from the highest power of the variable with a non-zero coefficient.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 9 Mathematics question. Chapter: Introduction to Polynomials. Topic: Linear polynomials.
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