Inez V.

asked • 05/01/20

Explain the difference between a monomial, a binomial, and a trinomial

Barbara C.

tutor
The simple answer is that a monomial only has one term, a binomial has two terms, and a trinomial has three terms. These types of "polynomials," or "many terms", are used in algebra to make expressions or equations. Before we can get into what these "-mials" are, we should first understand what a term is. A term can be made of numbers by themselves, variables by themselves, or the product of numbers and variables. Examples of each would be 12, x, or 12x. Terms are used to make number phrases or statements, which are expressions or equations. For example, 12 * x = 12x is an equation. Equations have two sides surrounding an equals sign. 12 - x is an example of an expression, which only has one side and has no equals sign. Now to monomial, binomial, and trinomial. A monomial only has one term; for example, 12x. A binomial has only two terms (usually added or subtracted); for example, 12x + 3y. A trinomial has only three terms (usually added or subtracted); for example, 12x + 3y -4. An important thing to note is that these terms are in their simplest forms. They cannot be combined any further.
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05/04/20

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Donna B. answered • 05/01/20

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Monomial, binomial, and trinomial are types of polynomials. A polynomial is an algebraic equation that consists of many (poly) terms in its simplified form. Example:x7-5x4+x2+4 - Notice the equation does not contain similar terms.

A monomial has only one (mono) term = 8x2

A binomial has 2 (bi) unlike terms = 3x + 2

A trinomial has 3 (tri) unlike terms = 5x2 + 6x + 1

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