Factorise x² − 2x − 24 by splitting the middle term.

Factorise $x^{2} - 2 x - 24$ by splitting the middle term.

Class 9PolynomialsPolynomials

We need two numbers whose product is −24 and whose sum is −2: they are −6 and +4.

x^{2} - 6 x + 4 x - 24 = x (x - 6) + 4 (x - 6) = (x - 6) (x + 4)

Answer: D)

(x - 6) (x + 4)

By number of terms:
- **Monomial**: 1 term (e.g.

5 x^{3}

)
- **Binomial**: 2 terms (e.g.

x^{2} + 3

)
- **Trinomial**: 3 terms (e.g.

x^{2} + 2 x + 1

)

By degree:
- **Linear** (degree 1):

3 x - 5

- **Quadratic** (degree 2):

x^{2} - 4

- **Cubic** (degree 3):

2 x^{3} + x - 1

- **Biquadratic** (degree 4):

x^{4} + 1

A polynomial can fit multiple categories.

5 x^{3}

is both a monomial and a cubic.

Don't just memorise the answer — build a daily practice habit.