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where
o is the degree
o
, )
The domain of a polynomial is all real and the curve is always continuous
A monic polynomial is one where the coefficient of the term with the highest
degree (AKA, the leading coefficient) is 1. ie,
A zero of a polynomial means that it satisfies it and hence is a root of the
polynomial. eg,
()
Now let
() ()
()
Hence, we can say that is a root of () or ( ) is a factor of ()
Examples of Polynomials
Examples of NOT Polynomials
()
Mathematics Extension 1
4
Graphing:
If a polynomial is of even degree, the ends of the head and the tail of the
graph will point in the same direction
Furthermore, if the polynomial is of odd degree; the head and the tail of the
graph will point in opposite directions
Now, if the leading coefficient of the graph is positive, on an even degree
polynomial, the head and tail of the graph will be in the 1
st
and 2
nd
quadrants
Mathematics Extension 1
5
But if the leading coefficient of the graph is negative, on an even degree
polynomial, the head and tail of the graph will be in the 3
st
and 4
nd
quadrants
Moreover, if the leading coefficient of the graph is positive, on an odd degree
polynomial, the head and tail of the graph will be in the 1
st
and 3
nd
quadrants
Hopefully, you can see where I am going with this, if the if the leading coefficient
of the graph is negative, on an odd degree polynomial, the head and tail of
the graph will be in the 2
st
and 4
nd
quadrants
Mathematics Extension 1
6
Types of roots:
Degree 1 Cuts
Degree 2 Turns on
Degree 3 Horizontal Point of inflection
Example, graph: () ( )
( )( )
We can say that the zeros of () are: -4, -1 and 3 (think of it like this: what makes the
polynomial zero? well just put the negative of the number in the bracket) (this can be
checked with a simple substitution into the function)
What would the degree be? If we were to multiply this out (I am using a computer
but dont ever do this in an exam) we would get:
( even degree ends point in the same direction) and that it is also positive so
the head and tail of the graph are in the 1
st
and 2
nd
quadrants
To quickly expand it out and get the degree multiply the powers together, ie
2x1x3=6 it is a degree 6 polynomial (ends in the same direction) and positive (1
st
and 2
nd
quadrants)
Now we have to classify these roots. On inspection we can see that:
Cut
Turn
Inflection
Now we can graph it:
Mathematics Extension 1
7
()
Polynomial inequalities:
Look at next chapter
Polynomial division:
Polynomials can be written in the form of:
() () ()
Where:
() is the dividend
() is the divisor
() is the quotient
() is the remainder
Its basically long division
This is best explained through an example: Divide (
) by ( )
Step 1: Set it up like this,
( )
Step 2: Now, look at the first term of () in this case it is
Step 3: So write this where the quotient is
( )
Step 4: Multiply the quotient out by the divisor
( )
Step 5: Now subtract this part from the dividend, so we get
( )
Step 6: Now the new dividend is
( )(
Carry the 2
Mathematics Extension 1
8
Renainder theorm:
Remainder theorm states that if a polynomial is divided by ( ), then the
remainder will be ()
Example; find the remainder when
is divided by ( )
()
() ()
()
()
Typical question: ()
()
Factor theorm:
Factor theorm states that if a polynomial is divided by ( ), and the remainder
is zero, then ( ) is a root of the polynomial
Factors are usually multiples of the constant term
Roots:
A degree 2 polynomial can be written as
( ) so,
Similarily for higher degrees,
Note the alternating signs
The product of roots is always
Dont make a mistake by looking at the wrong coefficent, sometimes its zero
Algebraic manipulation is usually required