Ask a Teacher

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSION AND A POLYNOMIAL?

A polynomial is always going to be an algebraic expression, but an algebraic expression doesn't always have to be a polynomial. An algebraic expression is an expression with a variable in it, and a polynomial is an expression with multiple terms with variables in it.

Algebraic expression (not polynomial): 3b

Polynomial: 4x² + 3x - 7