A review of polynomial functions
A rational function is a function that can be expressed in the form , where is a polynomial and is a non-zero polynomial.
A polynomial function is a function of the form where each of the s are real numbers and is a non-negative integer.
Before we talk too much about rational functions, it's important that you're first comfortable with polynomial functions.
Enter an example of a polynomial function below.
Let's make sure you understand the notation above. Suppose is a polynomial. Which of the following symbols represents 's leading coefficient?
If is a polynomial, which of the following symbols represents 's degree?
If is a polynomial, which of the following symbols represents 's -intercept?
If is a polynomial, what is the maximum number of real zeros can have?
Give an example of such a polynomial below.
If is a polynomial, what is the minimum number of real zeros can have?
Give an example of such a polynomial below.
If you're asked to find the real zeros of a given polynomial , what would you do?