Question

Which polynomial lists the powers in descending order? A. –10 + 4x3 – 4x5 + 2x4 + x7 B. x7 – 4x5 + 2x4 + 4x3 – 10 C. x7 + 4x3 + 2x4 – 4x5 – 10 D. 4x3 – 4x5 + 2x4 + x7 – 10

Answer 1

Answer is B. x^7 - 4x^5 + 2x^4 + 4x^3 - 10
Here are a few rules of order
1. X values are always first, then y values
2. The highest exponent within that variable goes first (x^7 comes before x^5)
3. Numbers come after variables
Don't let the coefficients trick you since they are irrelevant if the exponent is higher. Automatically we know that -10 goes last because it is just a number. Then, you just order the x's from highest to lowest.