Question

determine the degree of the polynomial.
$5xy^3 - 4$
the degree is \boxed{}.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall degree of term

For a term \(ax^m y^n\), degree is \(m + n\). For \(5xy^3\), \(x\) has exponent \(1\), \(y\) has \(3\). So degree of \(5xy^3\) is \(1 + 3 = 4\).

Step2: Recall degree of polynomial

The degree of a polynomial is the highest degree of its terms. The other term is \(-4\) (degree \(0\)). So highest degree is \(4\).

Answer:

4