Mississippi Math FA.A.31

MathGrades 9–12Algebra (A) Polynomials

The Standard

Describe and identify a polynomial of degree one, two, three, and four by examining a polynomial expression or a graph.

2025 Mississippi College- and Career-Readiness Standards for Mathematics

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students combine like terms, then use the largest remaining exponent to name an expression's degree from one through four. On a graph, they use turns and the direction of the ends as clues. They say when a graph does not show the exact degree.
What Mastery Looks Like: A student can simplify 4x³ − 4x³ + 2x² and identify degree two. They can use three turns to rule out degrees one through three, but know a U-shaped graph could have degree two or four.
Common Misconceptions: Students may choose the largest exponent they see before combining like terms. They may assume every U-shaped graph is quadratic or mistake the number of x-intercepts for the degree.
How to Assess It: Exit ticket: Simplify 3x⁴ − 2x³ + 5x⁴ − x and name its degree. Explain why a graph with three turns cannot have degree two.

Lesson moves

Bend pipe cleaners on coordinate grids into a line and curves with one, two, and three turns; label possible degrees.
Ask: Could a U-shaped graph have degree two or four? Compare graphs of y = x² and y = x⁴.
Match cards for x + 2, x² − 1, x³ − 3x, and x⁴ − 5x² + 4 to their printed graphs.
Sketch a roller coaster track modeled by h(x) = x⁴ − 5x² + 7; count its turns and compare it with a parabolic hill.

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