Factor Theorem & Rational Root Theorem Objective: SWBAT find zeros of a polynomial by using Rational Root Theorem
The Factor Theorem: For a polynomial P(x), x – a is a factor iff P(a) = 0 iff “if and only if” It means that a theorem and its converse are true
If P(x) = x3 – 5x2 + 2x + 8, determine whether x – 4 is a factor. remainder is 0, therefore yes other factor
Terminology: Solutions (or roots) of polynomial equations Zeros of polynomial functions “r is a zero of the function f if f(r) = 0” zeros of functions are the x values of the points where the graph of the function crosses the x-axis (x-intercepts where y = 0)
Ex 1: A polynomial function and one of its zeros are given, find the remaining zeros:
Ex 2: A polynomial function and one of its zeros are given, find the remaining zeros:
Rational Root Theorem: Suppose that a polynomial equation with integral coefficients has the root p/q , where p and q are relatively prime integers. Then p must be a factor of the constant term of the polynomial and q must be a factor of the coefficient of the highest degree term. (useful when solving higher degree polynomial equations)
Solve using the Rational Root Theorem: 4x2 + 3x – 1 = 0 (any rational root must have a numerator that is a factor of -1 and a denominator that is a factor of 4) factors of -1: ±1 factors of 4: ±1,2,4 possible rational roots: (now use synthetic division to find rational roots) (note: not all possible rational roots are zeros!)
Ex 3: Solve using the Rational Root Theorem: possible rational roots:
Ex 4: Solve using the Rational Root Theorem: possible rational roots:
Ex 5: Solve using the Rational Root Theorem: possible rational roots: To find other roots can use synthetic division using other possible roots on these coefficients. (or factor and solve the quadratic equation)