1. The problem is to understand how to write a polynomial in standard form. 2. A polynomial is an expression consisting of variables and coefficients, combined using addition, subtraction, and multiplication, with non-negative integer exponents. 3. The standard form of a polynomial arranges the terms in descending order of their exponents. 4. For example, a polynomial like $3 + 4x^2 - 2x + 7x^3$ is not in standard form because the terms are unordered. 5. To write it in standard form, reorder the terms from highest exponent to lowest: $$7x^3 + 4x^2 - 2x + 3$$ 6. Important rules: - The term with the highest exponent comes first. - Exponents decrease as you move from left to right. - Constant terms (exponent 0) come last. 7. This form makes it easier to identify the degree of the polynomial and perform operations like addition, subtraction, and division. Final answer: Writing a polynomial in standard form means arranging its terms in descending order of exponents, for example, $$7x^3 + 4x^2 - 2x + 3$$.