Question:
Which statement is true about the polynomial
–3x4y3 + 8xy5 – 3 + 18x3y4 – 3xy5 after it has been fully simplified?
It has 3 terms and a degree of 5.
It has 3 terms and a degree of 7.
It has 4 terms and a degree of 5.
It has 4 terms and a degree of 7.
Answer:
Option D: It has 4 terms and a degree of 7.
Explanation:
The given polynomial is
We need to simplify the polynomial to determine the number of terms and the degree of the polynomial.
Hence, the simplified polynomial is given by
Term of a polynomial:
The term of a polynomial consists of a number multiplied by a variable or it may be a constant.
Thus, the simplified polynomial has 4 terms.
Degree of a polynomial:
The degree of a polynomial is the sum of exponents of the variables in a term.
Thus, the simplified polynomial has a degree of 7.
Hence, the polynomial has 4 terms and a degree of 7.
Therefore, Option D is the correct answer.