Help with arranging polynomials from greatest to least?

Question

Could someone explain & help me with arranging polynomials in a descending order?

1. -2x - x^9 + 14^7 - 3x^3
2. 8m^2n^2 - 4m^3n - 4mn^3
3. 5a^3b^ - 5a^5 - 10a^4b

Does it depend on total number of exponent, numerical coefficient and/or alphabetical arrangement?

Please & thank you!

Answer 1

Only the size of the exponent on the variable matters.

1. -x^9 - 3x^3 - 2x +14^7.

2. idk whether it should be -4m^3n + 8 m^2n^2 - 4mn^3 or
-4mn^3 + 8 m^2n^2 - 4m^3n. You have to be a mind reader to know what was intended.

3. You left off the exponent on b in the first term. This admits the same ambiguity as #2, bu I would guess that decreasing powers of a might be satisfactory.

Answer 2

Whatever I would say would be found on the source i listed. It will help you with other forms of polynomials you may need. If you only need help with descending, then just find the words 'descending order' in the page.