Degree

The word "degree" as used in algebra refers to a property of polynomials. The degree of a polynomial in one variable (a monomial), such as 5x³, is the exponent, 3, of the variable. The degree of a monomial involving more than one variable, such as 3x²y, is the sum of the exponents; in this case, 2 + 1 = 3. The degree of a polynomial with more than one term is the highest degree among its monomial terms. Thus the degree of 5x²y + 7x³y²z² + 8x⁴y is 3 + 2 + 2 = 7.

The degree of a polynomial equation is the highest degree among its terms. Thus the degree of the equation 5x³ - 3x² = x + 1 is 3.