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Chapter 3: Polynomial Functions

  • Page ID
    149150
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    • 3.1: Graphs of Polynomials
      This section explores the graphs of polynomial functions, focusing on their general shape, end behavior, and turning points. It explains how the degree and leading coefficient influence the graph, the significance of intercepts, and how to identify local maxima and minima. The section also provides examples to illustrate these concepts and help with sketching polynomial graphs. For more details, visit the provided link.
    • 3.2: The Factor and Remainder Theorems
      This section introduces the Factor Theorem and Remainder Theorem. The Factor Theorem states that a polynomial has a factor \( (x - c) \) if and only if \( f(c) = 0 \). The Remainder Theorem explains that when a polynomial \( f(x) \) is divided by \( (x - c) \), the remainder is \( f(c) \). These theorems simplify polynomial division and factorization, providing efficient ways to evaluate and analyze polynomial expressions.
    • 3.3: Real Zeros of Polynomials
      This section focuses on finding real zeros of polynomial functions. It explains methods such as the Rational Root Theorem, synthetic division, and the use of factoring to identify zeros. The section also discusses the importance of multiplicity and how to interpret the behavior of polynomial graphs at their real zeros. Examples are provided to illustrate these techniques and their applications in solving polynomial equations.
    • 3.4: Complex Zeros and the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra
      This section discusses complex zeros of polynomials and the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra, which states that every non-constant polynomial has at least one complex root. It explains how to find complex roots using techniques like synthetic division and the quadratic formula, and how to express polynomials as products of linear factors over the complex numbers. The section also emphasizes the relationship between real and complex zeros.


    This page titled Chapter 3: Polynomial Functions is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Carl Stitz & Jeff Zeager via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform.