Polynomial
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A polynomial is an algebraic mathematical object. It is any element of a polynomial ring, that is a ring R with one or more variables adjoined. Note that R need not be commutative, nor have identity, nor be associative.
Examples of polynomials include 0, x and 5xy2. Every element of R is also a polynomial, a constant.
Polynomials can be evaluated to return an element of the ring R.
Some algorithms are said to perform in polynomial time. There are algorithms which can factor polynomials in polynomial time.