Problem:
The degree of (x2+1)4(x3+1)3 as a polynomial in x is
Answer Choices:
A. 5
B. 7
C. 12
D. 17
E. 72
Solution:
The highest powers of x in the factors (x2+1)4 and (x3+1)3 are 8 and 9, respectively. Hence the highest power of x in the product is 8+9=17.