Polynomials
Graphic Interpretation of the number of Zeros of a Polynomial
The zero of a polynomial, , (if it exists) is the x-coordinate of the point
where the graph of y = p(x) intersects the x-axis.
Example 1:
In the above graph, the graph intersects the x-axis at only one point.
The number of zeroes of the corresponding polynomial is 1.
Example 2:
In the above graph, the graph intersects the x-axis at exactly two points.
The number of zeroes of the corresponding polynomial is 2.
Example 3:
In the above graph, the graph intersects the x-axis at three points.
The number of zeroes of the corresponding polynomial is 3.
Example 4:
In the above graph, the graph does not intersect the x-axis.
The corresponding polynomial has no zeroes.
Zeroes of a polynomial
A real number ‘k’ is a zero of a polynomial p(x), if p(k) = 0. In this case, ‘k’ is
also called the root of the equation, p(x) = 0.
Note: A polynomial of degree n can have at most n zeroes.
Example:
1. is the zero of the linear polynomial, 2x + 9, because .
2. 2 and –3 are the zeroes of the quadratic polynomial, .
Example:
Find the zeroes of the polynomial,
Solution:
By trial, we obtain
p (1) = 1 – 3 – 6 + 8 = 0
(x – 1) is a factor p (x) [By factor theorem]
p (x) = 0, if x = 1, 4, or –2
Thus, the zeroes of p(x) are 1, 4, and –2.
Relationship between zeroes and Coefficients of a polynomial
Linear Polynomial
The zero of the linear polynomial, , is
Example: 3x – 5
Zero of 3x – 5 is
Quadratic Polynomial
If aand β are the zeroes of the quadratic polynomial, ,
then are the factors of p(x).
, where k ≠ 0 is constant.
Sum of zeroes =
Product of zeroes =
Example:
Find the zeroes of the quadratic polynomial, , and verify the
relationship between the zeroes and the coefficients.
Solution:
The zeroes of p(x) are given by,
Zeroes of p(x) are and β = –9
Sum of zeroes
Product of zeroes
Formation of Polynomial using the Sum and Product of Zeroes
Example:
Find a quadratic polynomial, the sum and the product of whose zeroes
are and .
Solution:
Given that,
,
The required polynomial is given by,
For k = 3,
One of the quadratic polynomials, which fit the given condition, is .
Cubic polynomial
If are the zeroes of the cubic
polynomial, then are the factors
of f (x).
, where k is a
non-zero constant
Division of polynomial by polynomial of degree more than 1 can be done as
follows:
Example:
Divide x4 – x3 + 3x2 – x + 3 by x2 – x + 1.
Solution:
It is given that,
Dividend = x4 – x3 + 3x2 – x + 3, Divisor = x2 – x + 1
Division Algorithm of Polynomials states that:
Dividend = Divisor × Quotient + Remainder
i.e., p(x) = g(x) × q(x) + r(x)
Here, degree of r(x) < degree of g(x) and degree of q(x) = degree of p(x) –
degree of g(x)
Example:
By applying division algorithm, find the quotient and remainder when p(x)
= x4 + 3x3 + 2x2 + 5x – is divided by g(x) = x3 + 2x – 1.
Solution:
p(x) = x4 + 3x3 + 2x2 + 5x – , g(x) = x3 + 2x – 1
deg p(x) = 4, deg g(x) = 3
Degree of quotient q(x) = 4 – 3 = 1, and deg of remainder r(x) < deg g(x) = 3
Let q(x) = ax + b, r(x) = cx2 + dx + e
By division algorithm,
p(x) = g(x) × q(x) + r(x)
⇒ x4 + 3x3 + 2x2 + 5x – = (ax + b)(x3 + 2x – 1) + (cx2 + dx + e)
= ax4 + 2ax2 – ax + bx3 + 2bx – b + cx2 + dx + e
= ax4 + bx3 + (2a + c)x2 + (–a + 2b + d)x + (–b + e)
Equating the coefficients of respective powers, we obtain
a = 1, b = 3
2a + c = 2
⇒ 2 + c =2
⇒c=0
–a + 2b + d = 5
⇒ –1 + 6 + d = 5
⇒d=0
–b + e =
⇒e=3=
Quotient, q (x) = x + 3
Remainder, r (x) =
