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Solving Higher Order Polynomials

This document discusses techniques for solving higher degree polynomial equations. It provides examples of solving polynomial equations by factoring, using substitutions, and applying the quadratic formula. The document explains that a polynomial of degree n will have n roots.

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332 views3 pages

Solving Higher Order Polynomials

This document discusses techniques for solving higher degree polynomial equations. It provides examples of solving polynomial equations by factoring, using substitutions, and applying the quadratic formula. The document explains that a polynomial of degree n will have n roots.

Uploaded by

DVS2mona
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Solving Polynomials Equations

of Higher Degree
Topic Index | Algebra2/Trig Index | Regents Exam Prep Center

When the powers in polynomial equations increase, it becomes


more difficult to find their solutions (roots).
Consider an equation such as

This course will examine


how to solve polynomial
equations of higher degree
using factoring and/or the
quadratic formula, only.

Finding the roots of an equation such as this can prove to be quite a FYI: The equation at the left
factors into
task. In this course, we will just be touching the surface on
techniques for solving higher degree polynomial equations.
Let's be sure that we understand the vocabulary associated with this type of task.

The following statements are different ways of


asking the same thing!!
Solve the polynomial equation P(x) = 0.
Find the roots of the polynomial equation P(x) = 0.
Find the zeroes of the polynomial function P(x) (P(x) = 0).
Factor the polynomial function P(x) = 0 and express the roots.

How many roots should we expect to find? A polynomial of degree n will have n roots, some of
which may be multiple roots (they repeat). For example,
is a
polynomial of degree 3 (highest power) and as such will have 3 roots. This equation is really
giving solutions of x = 1 and x = 4 (repeated).

Examples:
1. Solve the following polynomial equation:
Solution Method: Recognize a pattern within the problem.

We are looking for 4 roots.


Set the equation equal to 0.
Notice that this problem is really the variable x2 being squared
and being used to a power of one. Get in the habit of looking for
this pattern.
Letting x2 = a may help you to see the rest of the solution more
easily. Make the substitutions.
Now, we have a nice quadratic equation that we know how to
solve. This one factors nicely.
Be careful NOT to STOP when you solve for a. Remember
that a really represents x2.
Replace a with x2 and solve for the answers to the original
equation.

2. Find the roots of the polynomial equation

Solution method: Find common factor first then recognize a pattern.


We are looking for 5 roots.
There is a common factor of t. Factor it out.
This problem now contains the same pattern we saw in
example 1. It contains the variable t2 being squared and
being used to a power of one. Substitution of another
letter is not being used is this example, but could be used
if you wish.
Factor the quadratic.
Set each factor equal to zero and solve. Be sure to list
both the plus and minus versions when solving the t2
equations.

3. Find the zeroes of the polynomial function (P(x) = 0) when


Solution method: Use the quadratic formula.
We are looking for 3 roots. Think about the highest
power of x if the problem were multiplied out.
Set each factor equal to zero. The factor on the left
needs to be factored further. Unfortunately, this cannot be
done easily.
Use the quadratic formula to find the roots from the first
factor.
Solve for x.

Topic Index | Algebra2/Trig Index | Regents Exam Prep Center


Created by Donna Roberts
Copyright 1998-2012 http://regentsprep.org
Oswego City School District Regents Exam Prep Center

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