Question

determine whether the expression is a polynomial. if it is a polynomial, find the degree and determine monomial, binomial, or trinomial.
$a - a^{2}$
select choice
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Explanation:

Step1: Verify polynomial status

A polynomial has non-negative integer exponents on variables. $a - a^2$ has terms $a^1$ and $-a^2$, so it is a polynomial.

Step2: Identify number of terms

The expression has 2 distinct terms: $a$ and $-a^2$, so it is a binomial.

Step3: Find the degree

The highest exponent on the variable $a$ is 2, so the degree is 2.

Answer:

This is a polynomial. It is a binomial with a degree of 2.