Chapter Overview: Polynomials
This chapter introduces the concept of polynomials, their types, degrees, and operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and factorization. Students will learn about the Remainder Theorem, Factor Theorem, and algebraic identities to simplify polynomial expressions.
Polynomial: An algebraic expression consisting of variables and coefficients, involving only the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and non-negative integer exponents.
Key Topics Covered
- Introduction to Polynomials
- Types of Polynomials (Linear, Quadratic, Cubic)
- Degree of a Polynomial
- Zeroes of a Polynomial
- Remainder Theorem
- Factor Theorem
- Algebraic Identities
- Factorization of Polynomials
Detailed Explanation
1. Introduction to Polynomials
A polynomial is an expression of the form: P(x) = anxn + an-1xn-1 + ... + a1x + a0, where an, an-1, ..., a0 are coefficients and n is a non-negative integer.
Degree of a Polynomial: The highest power of the variable in the polynomial. For example, in 3x2 + 5x + 2, the degree is 2.
2. Types of Polynomials
- Linear Polynomial: Degree 1 (e.g., 2x + 3)
- Quadratic Polynomial: Degree 2 (e.g., x2 + 5x + 6)
- Cubic Polynomial: Degree 3 (e.g., 4x3 - x2 + 7)
3. Zeroes of a Polynomial
A real number k is called a zero of the polynomial P(x) if P(k) = 0. For example, 2 is a zero of P(x) = x - 2.
4. Remainder Theorem
If a polynomial P(x) is divided by (x - a), the remainder is P(a).
Factor Theorem: (x - a) is a factor of polynomial P(x) if and only if P(a) = 0.
5. Algebraic Identities
Some important identities include:
- (a + b)2 = a2 + 2ab + b2
- (a - b)2 = a2 - 2ab + b2
- a2 - b2 = (a + b)(a - b)
- (a + b + c)2 = a2 + b2 + c2 + 2ab + 2bc + 2ca
6. Factorization of Polynomials
Methods include splitting the middle term, using algebraic identities, and grouping terms.