Advanced Topics in Algebra 2 H Key

Name_______________________________
Unit 1: Polynomial Functions
Factoring & Solving Polynomials Date ___________________Period _______

Learning Targets:
LT 01: I can factor polynomials.
LT 02: I can find complex solutions to polynomial equations.

Terminology
Polynomial- an expression consisting of variables and coefficients that involves only the operations of
addition, subtraction, and multiplication.

● A polynomial function is a function of the form where

𝑛 𝑛−1
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑛𝑥 + 𝑎𝑛−1𝑥 +... + 𝑎1𝑥 + 𝑎0 where 𝑎𝑛 ≠ 0, the exponents are all whole numbers, and
the coefficients are all real numbers.

● A polynomial function is in standard form if its terms are written in descending order of exponents
from left to right.

● For this function, 𝑎𝑛 is the leading coefficient, 𝑛 is the degree, and 𝑎0is the constant term.

● A polynomial function is also commonly written in factored form:

where p, q, r and t are the values where the function crosses the x-axis (also called real roots of the
function).

f(x) =
a(x P)(x a)(x r)(X t)
-
-
-
-

● The Fundamental Theorem of Algebra says that the number of zeros of a polynomial function
equals the degree of the polynomial.

1) Determine the number of zeros and then find them.

3 2 3
a) 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 3𝑥 − 10𝑥 degree = 333 zeros b) 𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 − 3) degree = 3) 3 zeros
f(x) x(x* + 3x 10)
=
O = (x 3)3
-
-

f(x) = X(x+ 5)(x 2) -

0= (x 2)(x 3)(x 3)
-
- -

or
-3)3
0 = X(x+ 5)(x 2) - X 3
-
= 0x -
3 =0 X 3=0
-

0 = X -
3
2= x=3 x = 3x = 3 Repeated
X= 0 x+5 = 0x 0
-

X= 3
2 zero !
X=
-
5 X =
3 times

2) Determine the number of solutions and then find them.

2 3 2
a) 𝑥 = 15𝑥 degree = 2 > 2 Sol.
b) 𝑥 − 2𝑥 + 10𝑥 = 2𝑥 degree = 3 > 3 Sol .
2x
x2 15x 2x -

0
-

- =

x(x - 15) = 0 x 2x+ -

8x = 0 D = ( 2) 4(1)(8) -

X 15 = 0
X(x -
2x + 8) = 0 D = 4 -
32
X= 0 -

28
-

=
X= D
-
=
0
X 15 (
=
X
2(1)
X= 1 = Gi