Polynomial Function

Definition

A polynomial function is an algebraic function that is the sum of one or more terms, each of which is the product of a constant and one or more variables raised to a non-negative integer power. These functions are widely used in mathematics, science, and engineering to model and analyze various phenomena.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Polynomial functions can be classified based on their degree, with linear functions (degree 1), quadratic functions (degree 2), cubic functions (degree 3), and so on.
2. The process of multiplying polynomials involves using the distributive property and combining like terms to obtain a new polynomial.
3. Dividing polynomials is often done using long division or synthetic division, which allows for the determination of the quotient and remainder.
4. Solving polynomial equations involves finding the roots or zeros of the polynomial, which can be done using various methods such as factoring, the quadratic formula, or numerical approximation.
5. Polynomial functions have a wide range of applications, including modeling population growth, projectile motion, and electrical circuits.

Review Questions

• Explain the process of multiplying two polynomials and how the result is a new polynomial.
  • To multiply two polynomials, you use the distributive property to multiply each term in one polynomial by each term in the other polynomial. This results in a sum of products, where each product is a new term in the resulting polynomial. The coefficients and exponents of the variables in these new terms are determined by the multiplication of the corresponding coefficients and exponents in the original polynomials. The final step is to combine any like terms in the resulting polynomial to obtain the simplified product.
• Describe the steps involved in dividing one polynomial by another and how the quotient and remainder are determined.
  • The process of dividing one polynomial by another is often done using long division or synthetic division. In long division, you divide the leading term of the dividend by the leading term of the divisor, and then multiply the resulting quotient by the divisor and subtract it from the dividend. This process is repeated until the degree of the remainder is less than the degree of the divisor. The final result is the quotient and the remainder. Synthetic division is a more efficient method that involves arranging the coefficients of the dividend and divisor in a specific manner, allowing for the direct calculation of the quotient and remainder.
• Explain how solving polynomial equations is related to the key characteristics of polynomial functions, such as degree and roots.
  • Solving polynomial equations involves finding the values of the variable(s) that make the equation true. The degree of the polynomial equation determines the number and nature of the roots or solutions. For example, a linear equation (degree 1) has one root, a quadratic equation (degree 2) has up to two roots, and a cubic equation (degree 3) has up to three roots. The roots of a polynomial equation correspond to the x-intercepts of the polynomial function, and the behavior of the function is heavily influenced by the number and location of these roots. Understanding the relationship between polynomial equations and the characteristics of polynomial functions is crucial for solving and analyzing these types of algebraic expressions.

Related terms

Monomial:

A monomial is a single term in a polynomial, consisting of a coefficient and one or more variables raised to non-negative integer powers.

Degree of a Polynomial: The degree of a polynomial is the highest exponent of any variable in the polynomial. The degree determines the complexity and behavior of the polynomial function.

Polynomial Equation: A polynomial equation is an equation in which the left-hand side is a polynomial function, and the right-hand side is typically set equal to a constant or another expression.