What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
multinomial
Example
The multinomial theorem is used to expand expressions with more than two terms. [multinomial: adjective]
Example
The multinomial distribution is used to model data with more than two possible outcomes. [multinomial: noun]
polynomial
Example
The quadratic equation is an example of a polynomial equation. [polynomial: noun]
Example
The polynomial function can be used to model various phenomena in physics and engineering. [polynomial: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Polynomial is more commonly used than multinomial in everyday language, especially in the context of algebra and calculus. Multinomial is more specialized and is primarily used in probability theory and statistics.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between multinomial and polynomial?
Both multinomial and polynomial are formal terms used primarily in academic and technical contexts. However, polynomial is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while multinomial is more technical and is typically used in formal contexts.