Chapter 7
Polynomial Functions and Equations
A polynomial function is one in which the coefficients are all real numbers, and the exponents on the variables are all whole numbers. A polynomial whose greatest power is 2 is called a quadratic polynomial; if the highest power is 3, then it’s called a cubic polynomial. A highest power of 4 earns the name quartic (not to be confused with quadratic), and a highest power of 5 is called quintic. There are more names for higher powers, but the usual practice is just to refer to the power rather than to try to come up with the Latin or Greek prefix.
The Problems You’ll Work On
In this chapter, you’ll work with polynomial functions and equations in the following ways:
Determining the x and y intercepts from the function rule (equation)
Solving polynomial equations using grouping
Applying the rational root theorem to find roots
Using Descartes’ rule of sign to count possible real roots
Making use of synthetic division
Graphing polynomial functions ...
