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1001 Algebra II Practice Problems For Dummies
book

1001 Algebra II Practice Problems For Dummies

by Mary Jane Sterling
June 2013
Beginner content levelBeginner
504 pages
9h 8m
English
For Dummies
Content preview from 1001 Algebra II Practice Problems For Dummies

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:

check.png Determining the x and y intercepts from the function rule (equation)

check.png Solving polynomial equations using grouping

check.png Applying the rational root theorem to find roots

check.png Using Descartes’ rule of sign to count possible real roots

check.png Making use of synthetic division

Graphing polynomial functions ...

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Publisher Resources

ISBN: 9781118446614Publisher Support