Degree
When using the term "quadratic polynomial", authors sometimes mean "having degree exactly 2", and sometimes "having degree at most 2". If the degree is less than 2, this may be called a "degenerate case". Usually the context will establish which of the two is meant.
Sometimes the word "order" is used with the meaning of "degree", e.g. a second-order polynomial.
Read more about this topic: Quadratic Polynomial
Famous quotes containing the word degree:
“I began to realize that it was bigotry of the worst kind to say that it’s better to be dead than to be born retarded or blind or without a limb. It’s a value judgment you’re making about someone’s life, based on their degree of perfection.”
—Juli Loesch (b. c. 1953)
“As there is a degree of depravity in mankind which requires a certain circumspection and distrust, so there are qualities in human nature which justify a certain portion of esteem and confidence.”
—James Madison (1751–1836)
“Suppose by chance you do get picked up. What have you done? You shot a horse; that isn’t first degree murder; in fact, it isn’t even murder; in fact, I don’t know what it is.”
—Stanley Kubrick (b. 1928)