Trinomial (algebra)
A polynomial consisting of exactly three nonzero terms, usually separated by plus or minus signs. For example, x² + 3x + 2 is a trinomial.
Polynomial: An expression formed from variables, coefficients, and nonnegative integer powers of variables using addition, subtraction, and multiplication. A trinomial is a polynomial with exactly three nonzero terms.
Factoring: Rewriting an expression as a product of simpler factors. Factoring can turn a trinomial into a product of binomials.
Quadratic equation: An equation whose highest-degree term has degree two. Setting a quadratic trinomial equal to zero creates a quadratic equation.
Like terms: Terms with identical variable parts, including the same variables raised to the same powers. Combining like terms can change an expression's apparent term count.
Monomial: A polynomial with exactly one nonzero term. Each separate term in a trinomial is itself a monomial.
FOIL method: A mnemonic for multiplying two binomials by multiplying first, outer, inner, and last terms. Combining the four products often produces a trinomial after like terms are collected.
Parabola: A conic section shaped as the graph of a quadratic function. A quadratic trinomial in a function defines a parabola when graphed.
Rational expression: A quotient of two polynomials with a nonzero denominator. A rational expression is defined by division, not by having three polynomial terms.
Binomial: A polynomial with exactly two nonzero terms. It differs from a trinomial by having one fewer term.
Quadratic trinomial: A trinomial of degree two in one variable, commonly written ax² + bx + c. This common subtype has dedicated factoring methods and a quadratic formula.