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Part 2 Zeros of Polynomial Functions

This document discusses polynomial functions and their zeros. It covers three main topics: 1) Using synthetic division, which provides a simplified method for polynomial long division to find quotients and remainders. 2) The Remainder Theorem, which states that the remainder when dividing a polynomial P(x) by x-r is equal to P(r). 3) The Factor Theorem, which identifies that x-r is a factor of P(x) if and only if P(r) equals 0. Examples are provided to demonstrate applying these theorems to find zeros, quotients, remainders, and factors of polynomial functions.

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Jimmy Abalos
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
135 views6 pages

Part 2 Zeros of Polynomial Functions

This document discusses polynomial functions and their zeros. It covers three main topics: 1) Using synthetic division, which provides a simplified method for polynomial long division to find quotients and remainders. 2) The Remainder Theorem, which states that the remainder when dividing a polynomial P(x) by x-r is equal to P(r). 3) The Factor Theorem, which identifies that x-r is a factor of P(x) if and only if P(r) equals 0. Examples are provided to demonstrate applying these theorems to find zeros, quotients, remainders, and factors of polynomial functions.

Uploaded by

Jimmy Abalos
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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MODULE 1

4.0 Polynomial Functions and Their Graphs PRECALCULUS

4.2 Zeros of Polynomial Functions

Objectives: In this Part 2 of this module, the student should be able to:

1) use synthetic division as an alternative for long division;


2) apply the Remainder and Factor Theorems;

In this section, we will study methods for finding the zeros of a polynomial function P. A
zero or root of a polynomial function P is also called the x -intercept of the graph of the
function which will be discussed in full part 3 of this module. Our main focus is to discuss
different tools that we will need. These are the remainder and factor theorems and synthetic
division.

4.2.1 The Division Algorithm for Polynomials and the Synthetic Division

The first theorem of the section describes n important consequence when dividing a
polynomial function by linear expression of the form x−r , where r is a real number.

Theorem 1 (The Division Algorithm for Polynomials)


Suppose P( x ) is a polynomial function of degree n, where n is positive. Then, if P ( x ) is
divided by a linear function of the form x−r , we obtain as quotient a unique polynomial
Q(x ) and as remainder a real number R such that for all values of x

P ( x ) =( x−r ) Q ( x ) + R .

Example 1 Consider the polynomial P ( x ) =2 x 3−5 x 2−8 x +17 and divide P( x ) by x−3. The
quotient is 2 x2 + x−5 , and the remainder is 2. Thus, we can write

2 x3 −5 x 2−8 x +17=( x−3 ) ( 2 x2 + x−5 )+ 2.


To verify these results, by long division
Quotient Q(x )
2
2 x + x−5
x−3 √ 2 x 3−5Divisor
x 2−8 x(+17
x−r ) Dividend P( x )
−( 2 x 3−6 x 2 )
x 2−8 x
−( x 2−3 x )
−5 x+ 17
−(−5 x+ 15 )
2 Remainder ( R)
Hence,
2 x 3−5 x 2−8 x +17 2 2
=2 x + x−5+
x−3 x−3
1
MODULE 1
4.0 Polynomial Functions and Their Graphs PRECALCULUS

To find the quotient as well as the remainder when a polynomial function is divided by x−r ,
a shortened version of long division, called synthetic division, makes the task simpler.
To explain synthetic division, let us consider P ( x ) =2 x 3−5 x 2−8 x +17 ÷ x−3, given
previously in Example 1.

Illustration 1 To divide a polynomial by x−r


1. Arrange the polynomial in
descending powers, insert a 0 x−3 √ 2 x 3−5 x 2−8 x +17
coefficient for any missing term
2. Write r as divider and omit the
powers of x and record only the ¿
coefficients
3. Bring down the leading coefficient ¿
to the third row. We refer to this
number as “pivot” in the next few ___________________
steps 2

4. Multiply the pivot number by r (in ¿


this case, 3). Write the product in the ________6_________
next column in the second row 2
5. Add the values in this column and ¿
write the sum below. ________6_________
2 1
6. Using this sum as the pivot, repeat ¿
steps 4 and 5 ________6____3__ -15__
2 1 -5 2
Quotient remainder
7. Use the last (or third) row to write
the quotient and the remainder in
fraction form. The degree of first 2 x 3−5 x 2−8 x +17 2 2
=2 x + x−5+
term of the quotient is always is one x−3 x−3
less than the degree of the first term
of the dividend. The final value in
the third row is the remainder.

4.2.2 The Remainder Theorem


2
MODULE 1
4.0 Polynomial Functions and Their Graphs PRECALCULUS

When you wish to determine the remainder without using the long division (or actual
division) in a simple method, the remainder theorem can be used by evaluating P( x ) at r .

Theorem 2 (The Remainder Theorem)


If a polynomial function P( x ) is divided by a linear function of the form x−r ,then the
remainder is given by P ( r ) .
Proof: Let Q(x ) be the quotient of P ( x ) ÷( x−r ) and a real number R as remainder such that
for all values of x

P ( x ) =( x−r ) Q ( x ) + R .
The equation is satisfied when x=r . We obtain
P ( r )=( r −r ) Q ( x ) + R
¿ 0+ R
P ( r )=R , remainder
Therefore, the remainder when P ( x ) is divided by x−r is P ( r ) .

Example 2 In Illustration 1, we obtained the remainder of 2 when P ( x ) =2 x 3−5 x 2−8 x +17


was divided by x−3. The same remainder of 2 can be obtained using the remainder theorem
by evaluating the value of P at x=3. Note that P ( 3 )=2(3)3−5 (3)2−8 ( 3 ) +17=2.

Example 4 Use the Remainder Theorem to find the of the following expression

(a) ( x 3 +10 ) ÷ ( x +2 )
(b) ( x +1 )( x−2 ) ( x+ 3 ) ( x −4 ) ÷ ( x−3 )
(c) ( 5 x 3−9 x 2+ 3 x −11 ) ÷ (5 x +4 )

Solutions: Let R be the remainder


(a) Let P ( x ) =x3 +10 then P (−2 )=(−2 )3 +10=2 ∴ R=2
(b) Let P ( x )=( x+ 1 )( x−2 ) ( x+ 3 )( x−4 ) then
P ( 3 )=( 3+1 ) ( 3−2 )( 3+3 )( 3−4 )=−24 ∴ R=−24
(c) Let P ( x ) =5 x 3 −9 x2 +3 x−11 then
−4 −4 3 −4 2 −4 −543 −543
P ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
5
=5
5
−9
5
+3
5
−11=
25
∴ R=
25

Example 5 Find the value(s) of k so that ( 2 x 2−5 x+1 ) ÷ ( x−2 k )gives a remainder of 4.

Solution: This problem can be solved using synthetic division. however, because we only
need the remainder, then the Remainder Theorem can provide us with the easier solution.

3
MODULE 1
4.0 Polynomial Functions and Their Graphs PRECALCULUS

Let P ( x ) =2 x 2−5 x +1 and r =2 k . Show P ( 2 k )=4

P ( 2 k )=4
2
2 ( 2 k ) −5 ( 2 k ) +1=4
8 k 2−10 k +1=4
8 k 2−10 k−3=0
( 4 k +1 ) ( 2 k−3 ) =0
4 k +1=0⋮ 2 k−3=0
4 k =−1⋮ 2 k=3
−1 3
k= ⋮ k=
4 2

2
We can easily verify that both ( 2 x −5 x+1 ) ÷ x + ( 12 ) and (2 x −5 x+1 ) ÷ ( x−3 ) give a remainder
2

4. (This part is left as an exercises)

4.2.3 The Factor Theorem

This next theorem is a consequence of the remainder theorem. It allows us to verify whether
a specific expression of the form x−r is a factor of a given polynomial function and can be
used to find the zeros of polynomial functions and also the factored form of a
polynomial.

Theorem 3 (The Factor Theorem)


A linear function x−r is a factor of a polynomial function P( x ) if and only if P ( r )=0.

The Factor Theorem actually consists of two separate statements:

(1) If P ( r )=0 , then x−r is a factor of P ( x ) .


(2) If x−r is a factor of P ( x ) ,then P ( r )=0.

It tells us from the previous theorem, the remainder when P( x ) is divided by x−r is P ( r ) .
Then x−r is a factor of P( x ) if and only if the remainder is zero, or equivalently, P ( r )=0.

Illustration 2 Determine whether x +3 is a factor of P ( x ) =4 x 3 +9 x 2−8 x +3.


Solution: Let P ( x ) =4 x 3 +9 x 2−8 x +3. By the Factor Theorem, x +3∨x−(−3) is a factor of
P( x ) if and only if P (−3 )=0.
P (−3 )=4 (−3 )3 +9 (−3 )2−8 (−3 ) +3
¿ 4 (−27 ) +9 ( 9 )+24 +3
P(3)=0.
Since P (−3 )=0 then x +3 is a factor of P ( x ) .

4
MODULE 1
4.0 Polynomial Functions and Their Graphs PRECALCULUS

Illustration 3: Use the Factor Theorem to determine whether or not the first expression is a
factor of the second expression.
(a) x−1 ; 2 x 3−x 2 +2 x−3
(b) x 2−1 ; x200 −1

Solution:

(a) Let P ( x ) =2 x 3−x 2 +2 x−3 then P ( 1 )=0


3 2
P ( 1 )=2 ( 1 ) −( 1 ) + 2 ( 1 )−3=2−1+2−3=0
∴ x−1is a factor of 2 x3 −x 2+2 x−3
(b) Let P ( x ) =x 200−1 and by factoring the first expression x 2−1=( x +1 ) ( x−1)
200
P (−1 )=(−1 ) −1=1−1=0
and P ( 1 )=( 1 )200 −1=1−1=0
∴ x2−1is a factor of x 200 −1

Example 6 Find the value(s) of k so that x 2−x−2 is a factor of x 3+ k x 2−6 x+1−k 2 .


Solution: Note that by factoring the divisor, x 2−x−2=( x−2)(x +1). This means that x−2
and x +1 are factors of x 3+ k x 2−6 x+1−k 2 . By the Factor Theorem,
P ( 2 )=0∧P (−1 )=0.

P ( 2 )=0 P (−1 )=0


( 2 )3 +k ( 2 )2−6 ( 2 ) +1−k 2=0 (−1 )3 +k (−1 )2−6 (−1 ) +1−k 2=0
8+ 4 k −12+1−k 2=0 −1+k + 6+1−k 2=0
−k 2+ 4 k −3=0 −k 2+ k +6=0
k 2−4 k +3=0 k 2−k −6=0
( k −3 ) ( k−1 )=0 ( k −3 ) ( k +2 )=0
implies k =3∧k=1 implies k =3∧k=−2

Thus, P ( 2 )=0 if k is 3∨1 Thus, P (−1 )=0 if k is 3∨−2

Because P ( 2 )∧P (−1 ) must both be zero, then k =3.


(This part is left for your verification)

EXERCISES 2.

5
MODULE 1
4.0 Polynomial Functions and Their Graphs PRECALCULUS

In Exercises 1-5, use synthetic division to find the quotient and remainder.
1) ¿
3 2
2) ( 4 x + x −4 x +10 ) ÷ x− ( 32 )
3) ( 4 x 4−6 x 2 +2 x−3 ) ÷ (2 x−1 )
4) ( 3 x 5−2 x 4−3 x 3 +4 x 2 +2 ) ÷ ( x −7 )
5) ( x 4 +11 ) ÷ ( x +3 )

In Exercises 6-10, use the Remainder Theorem to find the remainder of the following
expressions.
6) ( x 4 −22 x 2 +13 x+1 5 ) ÷ ( x+5 )
4
7) ( 16 x −6 x+5 ) ÷ x+ ( 12 )
8) ( 6 x 5−x 4 −31 x 3−20 x 2 +24 x +8 ) ÷ ( 2 x +3 )
9) ( x 9−1 ) ÷ ( x−1 )
10) ( 5 x 3−9 x 2+ 3 x −11 ) ÷ (5 x−4 )

In Exercises 11-15, use the Factor Theorem to show that the first expression is a factor
of the second expression.

11) x−5 ; x 3−2 x2 −12 x−15


1 3 2
12) x− ; 3 x + 11 x +8 x−4
3
13) 2 x+1 ; 2 x3 −3 x 2 +8 x +5
14) x 2+ x−6 ; 5 x 4+ 3 x 3−31 x 2 +13 x −6
15) 2 x2 −x−1; 4 x 4−2 x 3 +8 x 2+5 x−5

In Exercises 16-20, find the value of k that satisfy the given conditions.

16) x +3 is a factor of x 4 −2 k x 2 +8 x−21.


17) ( k x 2 +5 x−2 k ) ÷ ( x +2 )yields a remainder of 5.
18) ( x 3 + x 2−6 x+ 3 ) ÷ ( x +k ) has remainder 3.
19) x 2+ 2 x +1 is a factor of 2 x 4−x 2 +k 2 x+2 x +5.
20) x 2+ kx +1 will give the same remainder when divided by x +2or x−1.

Solve the following problems.

21) Find the values of a and b such that x 3−2 a x 2+ bx−3 is divisible by x 2−x−2.
22) Find a and b such that a x 3−b x 2 +45 x +54=0 has 3 as a root and yields a remainder of
12 when divided by x +1.

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