Algebra II Polynomials Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is a monomial?

A polynomial with four terms

One term (correct)

Three terms

Two terms

What does standard form mean in polynomials?

Largest to smallest exponent (decreasing order)

What is the degree of a polynomial in standard form?

Largest exponent

What is the factored form of a polynomial?

f(x) = (x-3)(x+2)(x+1) Signup and view all the answers

What is the Rational Root Theorem used for?

Solve for the zeros of a polynomial of 4 or more terms that is not factorable by grouping Signup and view all the answers

What is a binomial?

Two terms Signup and view all the answers

What is the leading coefficient?

Number in front of the term with the highest degree Signup and view all the answers

What are zeros in polynomials?

X-intercepts/solutions Signup and view all the answers

What is a dividend in polynomial division?

Number under the radical/division sign Signup and view all the answers

What is a trinomial?

Three terms Signup and view all the answers

What does end behavior of a polynomial indicate?

Based on the leading coefficient and degree Signup and view all the answers

What is a relative maximum in the graph of a polynomial?

When the graph changes from increasing to decreasing Signup and view all the answers

What is a divisor in polynomial division?

Number outside the radical/division sign Signup and view all the answers

What is a root in the context of polynomials?

Square root Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a polynomial?

More than three terms Signup and view all the answers

What does multiplicity indicate in polynomials?

The exponent of each factor (only in factored form) Signup and view all the answers

What is a relative minimum in the graph of a polynomial?

When the graph changes from decreasing to increasing Signup and view all the answers

What is a quotient in polynomial division?

The answer to a division problem Signup and view all the answers

What information do you need to determine the end behavior of a polynomial function?

Degree (even or odd) and leading coefficient (positive or negative) Signup and view all the answers

What does the multiplicity tell you about the graph of a polynomial function?

Whether the line will touch or cross the x-intercepts Signup and view all the answers

How can you determine the degree of a polynomial written in standard form?

Look at the degree of the leading coefficient; add up all multiplicities in factored form Signup and view all the answers

Can you determine the solutions of polynomial equations using the graph of the polynomial?

Look at the zeros (x-intercepts) Signup and view all the answers

If a polynomial is in standard form, what must you do to graph it?

Factor the equation and look at the x-intercepts Signup and view all the answers

Can you solve the equation $2x^3 - 4x^2 - 6x + 1 = 0$ using the quadratic formula?

No, the equation is not a trinomial and the degree is 3 Signup and view all the answers

Give an example of a function that has two relative minimums and a relative maximum, stating its degree and leading coefficient.

Positive leading coefficient, even degree such as 4 Signup and view all the answers

Give an example of a polynomial equation that must be solved using synthetic division and explain why.

A polynomial that is not factorable by grouping and has 4 or more terms Signup and view all the answers

How can you determine whether a number is a solution of a polynomial equation?

Use synthetic division; remainder of zero = solution, remainder of a number = not a solution; x-int. on graph = solution Signup and view all the answers

Will all the solutions of a polynomial equation be listed when you use the Rational Root Theorem?

No, the Rational Root Theorem excludes imaginary numbers and irrational numbers Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Polynomial Concepts

Monomial: A single term expression in algebra.
Binomial: An expression consisting of two terms.
Trinomial: An expression with three terms.
Polynomial: An expression with more than three terms.

Polynomial Forms

Standard Form: Arrangement of polynomial terms from the largest to smallest exponent.
Factored Form: Expressed as a product of factors, e.g., f(x) = (x-3)(x+2)(x+1).

Polynomial Characteristics

Degree: The highest exponent in standard form; in factored form, it is the sum of the multiplicities of the factors.
Leading Coefficient: The coefficient of the term with the highest degree, important for end behavior.

Roots and Zeros

Zeros: The x-intercepts or solutions of the polynomial equation.
Multiplicity: Indicates how many times a factor appears, affecting how the graph interacts with the x-axis at zeros.

Graph Analysis

End Behavior: Determined by the degree (even for parabolas, odd for snake-like behavior) and the sign of the leading coefficient.
Relative Maximum: The point where the graph changes from increasing to decreasing.
Relative Minimum: The point where the graph transitions from decreasing to increasing.

Polynomial Division

Dividend: The expression or number under the division sign.
Divisor: The expression or number outside the division sign.
Quotient: The result obtained from division.
Synthetic Division: A method used for polynomials, particularly when the polynomial is not easily factorable.

Solving Polynomials

Rational Root Theorem: A technique for finding rational zeros in polynomials with 4 or more terms that cannot be factored by grouping.
Graphing: Requires factoring the polynomial to find x-intercepts for visualization.
Synthetic Division Use: Necessary for polynomials that cannot be solved by simple factorization.

Problem-Solving Insights

Degree Determination: In standard form, it's the highest exponent; in factored form, sum the multiplicities.
Synthetic Division Solution Checking: A remainder of zero indicates a solution; otherwise, it’s not a solution.
Quadratic Formula Limitation: Not applicable to non-trinomials, such as cubic equations, which have a degree of 3.

Example Functions

Functions exhibiting two relative minimums and one maximum can have a positive leading coefficient and an even degree, such as 4.
Some polynomials require synthetic division due to non-factorable grouping, typically those with 4 or more terms.

Additional Considerations

Not all solutions are found using the Rational Root Theorem, as it does not account for imaginary or irrational roots.

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Description

Test your understanding of Polynomials in Algebra II with these flashcards. Each card covers key terms such as Monomial, Standard Form, and Rational Root Theorem, helping you prepare effectively for your test.