Algebra II Essentials For Dummies

Chapter 7

Pondering Polynomials

IN THIS CHAPTER

Providing techniques for making graphing polynomials easier

Segueing from intercepts to roots of polynomials

Solving polynomial equations using everything but the kitchen sink

The word polynomial comes from poly-, meaning “many,” and -nomial, meaning “name” or “designation.” The expo-nents used in polynomials are all whole numbers — no fractions or negatives. Polynomials get progressively more interesting as the exponents get larger — they can have more intercepts and turning points. This chapter outlines how to deal with polynomials: factoring them, graphing them, analyzing them. The graph of a polynomial looks like a Wisconsin landscape — smooth, rolling curves. Are you ready for this ride?

Sizing Up a Polynomial Equation

A polynomial function is a specific type of function that can be easily spotted in a crowd of other types of functions and equations. By convention, you write the terms from the largest exponent to the smallest.

The general form for a polynomial function is

Here, the a’s are real numbers and the n’s are whole ...