Question

classify this polynomial.
$w^2 - 10$
options: cubic, linear, quadratic, none of these

Explanation:

Step1: Recall polynomial degree rules

The degree of a polynomial is the highest power of the variable. For \( w^2 - 10 \), the variable is \( w \), and its highest power is 2.

Step2: Match degree to polynomial type

• Linear polynomials have degree 1 (e.g., \( ax + b \)).
• Cubic polynomials have degree 3 (e.g., \( ax^3 + bx^2 + cx + d \)).
• Quadratic polynomials have degree 2 (e.g., \( ax^2 + bx + c \)).

Since \( w^2 - 10 \) has degree 2, it is quadratic.

Answer:

quadratic