Algebra I All-in-One For Dummies

Chapter 17

Yielding to Higher Powers

IN THIS CHAPTER

Solving basic cubic equations

Tallying up the possible number of roots

Making educated guesses about solutions

Finding solutions by factoring

Recognizing patterns to make factoring and solutions easier

Polynomial equations are equations involving the sum (or difference) of terms where the variables have exponents that are whole numbers. Cubic polynomials are special types of polynomials with the standard form . Solving polynomial equations involves setting polynomials equal to zero and then figuring out which values create true statements. You can use the solutions to polynomial equations to solve problems in calculus, algebra, and other mathematical areas. When you’re graphing polynomials, the solutions show you where the curve intersects with the x-axis — either crossing it or just touching it at that point. Instead of just taking ...