Question

Find the degree of the following algebraic expression : $16m^2-4m^{3}y$

Answer 1

Use the definition of the degree of a polynomial

We know that if $p\left(x\right)$ is a polynomial in $x$, the highest power of $x$ in $p\left(x\right)$ is called the degree of the polynomial $p\left(x\right)$.

The term having highest power (sum of the powers) is $4m^{3}y$

Since $m$ has a power of $3$ and the power of $y$ is $1$and

Sum of powers of the term $=3+1=4$

Therefore, the required degree of the given algebraic expression is $4$.