Evaluating Polynomials
To evaluate a polynomial means to replace each variable with a given
number and then to simplify.
Example
Evaluate the given polynomial when x = 3 and y = -1:
5x4 + 8xy - 12y2 + 7
Solution |
5x4 |
+ 8xy |
- 12y2 |
+ 7 |
Substitute 3 for x and -1 for y.
|
= 5(3)4 |
+ 8(3)(-1) |
- 12(-1)2 |
+ 7 |
Simplify terms with exponents.
|
= 5 · 81 |
+ 8(3)(-1) |
- 12 · 1 |
+ 7 |
Multiply.
|
= 405 |
- 24 |
- 12 |
+ 7 |
Simplify. |
= 376 |
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