Question

1. word bank: linear - quadratic - cubic - quartic - quintic

answer the questions about the following polynomial.
$-2 - \frac{x}{3}$
the expression represents a ____ polynomial with terms. the constant term is , the leading term is , and the leading coefficient is __.

Explanation:

Step1: Identify polynomial degree

The polynomial is $-2 - \frac{x}{3}$, which can be rewritten as $-\frac{1}{3}x - 2$. The highest power of $x$ is 1, so it is linear.

Step2: Count number of terms

The polynomial has two distinct terms: $-\frac{1}{3}x$ and $-2$.

Step3: Locate the constant term

The term without a variable is $-2$.

Step4: Identify the leading term

When ordered by degree, the first term is $-\frac{1}{3}x$.

Step5: Find leading coefficient

The coefficient of the leading term is $-\frac{1}{3}$.

Answer:

Linear; 2; $-2$; $-\frac{x}{3}$; $-\frac{1}{3}$