Squares of side x cm are cut from the corners of a 20 cm × 12 cm sheet and the sides are folded up into an open box. Its volume is a cubic polynomial in x. What is the coefficient of x2?
Class 9PolynomialsPolynomials
A−32
B64
C−64
D240
Step-by-Step Solution
V=x(20−2x)(12−2x)=x(240−64x+4x2)=4x3−64x2+240x. Forgetting that both sides lose 2x gives −32.
Answer: C) −64
Key idea: Naming polynomials by terms and degree
By number of terms: - **Monomial**: 1 term (e.g. 5x3) - **Binomial**: 2 terms (e.g. x2+3) - **Trinomial**: 3 terms (e.g. x2+2x+1)