Question

Which polynomials are in standard form?

Answer 1

Answer: The second option, x^4 - 8x^2 - 16.

Step-by-step explanation:

Polynomials in standard form start with the highest degree, from greatest to least exponent. After all terms with exponents are in order, alphabetical variables are next. In this case there's only x. Last are constant terms, which are by itself, with no variable next to it/an exponent to the right of it.

x^4 - 8x^2 - 16 is in standard form because it follows the criteria above. 4 is the highest degree since it's the highest exponent in the polynomial expression, which is why it starts off with x^4. Other terms with lesser exponents are next. In this case, it's 8x^2 with the less exponent of 2. Finally, it ends with your constant term, -16.