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Polynomials 1

A polynomial is an algebraic expression with variables, coefficients, and non-negative integer powers, represented in the general form P(x) = an xn + an−1 xn−1 + ... + a1 x + a0. Polynomials can be classified by the number of terms (monomial, binomial, trinomial) and by degree (constant, linear, quadratic, etc.), and operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division can be performed on them. Key concepts include the Remainder Theorem, Factor Theorem, and applications in modeling real-world problems.

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2 views6 pages

Polynomials 1

A polynomial is an algebraic expression with variables, coefficients, and non-negative integer powers, represented in the general form P(x) = an xn + an−1 xn−1 + ... + a1 x + a0. Polynomials can be classified by the number of terms (monomial, binomial, trinomial) and by degree (constant, linear, quadratic, etc.), and operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division can be performed on them. Key concepts include the Remainder Theorem, Factor Theorem, and applications in modeling real-world problems.

Uploaded by

manojpnd77
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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1.

Definition of a Polynomial
A polynomial is an algebraic expression that consists of variables, coefficients, and non-negative integer powers of variables.

General Form:

P (x) = an xn + an−1 xn−1 + ⋯ + a1 x + a0


​ ​ ​ ​

Where:
x: variable
an , an−1 , ..., a0 : constants called coefficients
​ ​ ​

an not equal to zero ; leading coefficient


​

n: degree of the polynomial

✅ 2. Terms Related to Polynomials

Term Description

Term Each part of a polynomial separated by + or -

Degree Highest power of the variable

Coefficient The numerical part of each term

Leading Term The term with the highest power

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Term Description

Leading Coefficient The coefficient of the leading term

Constant Term Term with no variable (degree 0)

✅ 3. Types of Polynomials
a) Based on the number of terms:

Name Example Description

Monomial 3x2 1 term

Binomial x+5 2 terms

Trinomial x2 + 3x + 2 3 terms

Polynomial x3 + 2x2 − x + 1 4 or more terms

b) Based on the degree:

Degree Name Example

0 Constant 7

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Degree Name Example

1 Linear 3x + 2

2 Quadratic x2 − 4

3 Cubic x3 − 3x2

4 Quartic x4 + 2x + 1

5 Quintic x5 − x

✅ 4. Operations on Polynomials
a) Addition & Subtraction
Combine like terms.
Example:
(2x2 + 3x + 1) + (x2 − x + 4) = 3x2 + 2x + 5

b) Multiplication
Multiply each term of one polynomial by each term of the other.
Example:
(x + 2)(x + 3) = x2 + 5x + 6

c) Division
Use long division or synthetic division.
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Example:
Divide x3 + 2x2 + x + 1 by x + 1.

d) Factoring
Common methods:
Taking common factors
Factoring trinomials
Using special identities:
a2 − b2 = (a − b)(a + b)
(a + b)2 = a2 + 2ab + b2
(a − b)2 = a2 − 2ab + b2

✅ 5. Zeros/Roots of a Polynomial
The zeros of a polynomial P (x) are the values of x such that:

P (x) = 0
A polynomial of degree n has at most n real or complex roots.

✅ 6. The Remainder Theorem


If a polynomial P (x) is divided by (x − a), the remainder is P (a).

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✅ 7. The Factor Theorem
If P (a) = 0, then (x − a) is a factor of P (x).

✅ 8. Graphing Polynomials
The shape of the graph depends on the degree and leading coefficient.
Even degree: ends in the same direction.
Odd degree: ends in opposite directions.
Intercepts:
x-intercepts: where P (x) =0
y-intercept: value of P (0)

✅ 9. Identities Useful in Polynomials


1. (a + b)2 = a2 + 2ab + b2
2. (a − b)2 = a2 − 2ab + b2
3. a2 − b2 = (a + b)(a − b)
4. (x + a)(x + b) = x2 + (a + b)x + ab

✅ 10. Applications of Polynomials


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Modeling real-world problems (physics, finance, engineering)
Describing curves and motion
Finding maximum and minimum values
Solving algebraic equations

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