Java Polynomial Multiplication

Question

I am trying to write a simple code for polynomial multiplication. I think it is logical to take inputs as strings such as "3x^2".

Problem is I don't know what to do with the 'x's in it. How can I turn them into something that can be multiplied? What should the logic be? I am totally new in Java and I really need help.

For example:

String s = "x^2";
String s2 = "3x^5";
//(Multiply them)
result = 3x^7

Answer 1

public static int[] multiply(String term1, String term2)
{
    int[] t1 = parse(term1);
    int[] t2 = parse(term2);
    int[] ret = new int[2];
    ret[0] = t1[0] * t2[0];
    ret[1] = t1[1] + t2[1];
    return ret;
}

public static int[] parse(String term)
{
    int pos = term.indexOf("x^");
    String coeffStr = term.substring(0, pos);
    int coeff = Integer.parseInt(coeffStr);
    String powerStr = term.substring(pos + 2);
    int power = Integer.parseInt(powerStr);
    int[] ret = new int[2];
    ret[0] = coeff;
    ret[1] = power;
    return ret;
}