Polynomials: Definitions, Types, and Theorems

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Questions and Answers

What is the general form of a polynomial and what does 'n' represent in the expression?

The general form of a polynomial is a_n x^n + a_(n-1) x^(n-1) +...+ a_1 x + a_0, where 'n' represents the degree of the polynomial, which is the highest power of the variable.

What is the difference between a monomial and a binomial?

A monomial is a polynomial with only one term, while a binomial is a polynomial with two terms.

What is the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra and what does it state about the zeroes of a polynomial?

The Fundamental Theorem of Algebra states that every non-constant polynomial has at least one complex zero.

What is the relationship between the degree of a polynomial and the number of its zeroes?

<p>The number of zeroes of a polynomial is equal to its degree, counting multiplicities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the Remainder Theorem and how can it be used?

<p>The Remainder Theorem states that if a polynomial <code>f(x)</code> is divided by <code>x - a</code>, the remainder is <code>f(a)</code>. It can be used to find the value of a polynomial at a specific point.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the Factor Theorem and what does it state about the relationship between zeroes and factors of a polynomial?

<p>The Factor Theorem states that if <code>a</code> is a zero of a polynomial <code>f(x)</code>, then <code>x - a</code> is a factor of <code>f(x)</code>.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a constant polynomial and how does it differ from a zero polynomial?

<p>A constant polynomial is a polynomial with only a constant term, whereas a zero polynomial is a polynomial with all coefficients equal to zero.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between a trinomial and a binomial?

<p>A trinomial is a polynomial with three terms, whereas a binomial is a polynomial with two terms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra and how does it relate to the number of zeroes of a polynomial?

<p>The Fundamental Theorem of Algebra guarantees that every non-constant polynomial has at least one complex zero, which is related to the number of zeroes of a polynomial being equal to its degree.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Definition of Polynomials

  • A polynomial is an expression consisting of variables and coefficients combined using only addition, subtraction, and multiplication.
  • The general form of a polynomial is: a_n x^n + a_(n-1) x^(n-1) +... + a_1 x + a_0, where:
    • a_n is the leading coefficient (non-zero)
    • x is the variable
    • n is the degree of the polynomial (highest power of the variable)

Types of Polynomials

  • Monomial: A polynomial with only one term, e.g., 3x^2
  • Binomial: A polynomial with two terms, e.g., x^2 + 3x
  • Trinomial: A polynomial with three terms, e.g., x^2 + 3x + 2
  • Constant Polynomial: A polynomial with only a constant term, e.g., 5
  • Zero Polynomial: A polynomial with all coefficients equal to zero, e.g., 0x^2 + 0x + 0

Zeroes of Polynomials

  • A zero of a polynomial is a value of the variable that makes the polynomial equal to zero.
  • The Fundamental Theorem of Algebra states that every non-constant polynomial has at least one complex zero.
  • The number of zeroes of a polynomial is equal to its degree, counting multiplicities.

Remainder Theorem

  • The Remainder Theorem states that if a polynomial f(x) is divided by x - a, the remainder is f(a).
  • This theorem can be used to find the value of a polynomial at a specific point.

Factor Theorem

  • The Factor Theorem states that if a is a zero of a polynomial f(x), then x - a is a factor of f(x).
  • Conversely, if x - a is a factor of f(x), then a is a zero of f(x).
  • This theorem can be used to find the factors of a polynomial.

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