In this activity, students will practice adding, subtracting, and multiplying polynomials, then match their simplified expressions to written descriptions of the resulting polynomials. Students match answers and descriptions to answer a riddle.

Each problem produces a polynomial with a distinct leading coefficient, degree, and number of terms, allowing students to use structural features—not just the exact expression—to find the correct match.

Students will work through 8 polynomial expressions. After simplifying each expression into standard form, students will identify key characteristics of the resulting polynomial, including:

• Leading coefficient
• Degree of the polynomial
• Number of terms (binomial, trinomial, or polynomial with four terms)
  

This activity encourages students to:

• Practice fluency in polynomial operations
• Recognize and interpret structural components of algebraic expressions
• Strengthen algebraic reasoning and vocabulary
• Check their own work by verifying that their simplified expression matches the qualitative description
  

The task works well individually or in pairs and can be used as a warm-up, exit ticket, or practice station activity.