I observed an Algebra class recently where students were trying to multiply two polynomials, (x + 5) and (3x 2 - 5x - 4). And as I roamed the room, I noticed several students who were stuck because ...

Expressions like the following are called polynomials in one variable. 0, -5, 7 etc. are examples of constant polynomials. The constant polynomial 0 is also the zero polynomial. Others like 7x + 9 is ...