Find the degree of this polynomial. \( 2 g h \)

The degree of a polynomial is determined by the highest sum of the exponents of its variables. In the expression \( 2gh \), both variables \( g \) and \( h \) are raised to the first power. Therefore, the degree is \( 1 + 1 = 2 \). So, this polynomial has a degree of 2. Now let's consider this in a fun way: think of degrees like the heights of towers made from building blocks! Each variable \( g \) and \( h \) adds a block, and together they stack up to a tower that reaches a height of 2 blocks tall. So, you’ve built yourself a lovely little tower of degree 2! As for real-world applications, polynomial degrees are super handy in many fields. For instance, in physics, the degree of a polynomial can help model trajectories. A degree 2 polynomial (a quadratic) is often used to model the path of a thrown ball. The higher the degree, the more complex the path you can model!