Emily Wieser

Alg. 2/ !
Effi
January 28, 2014
Mini Project on Polynomials




Explaining Polynomial Functions

A zero of a polynomial can be called a root, and are x-intercepts unless they are
imaginary zeros. An imaginary zero can be identified if the function does not cross the x-
axis. Multiple zeros occur when a polynomial is in factor form, and the same zero is present
more than once within the function. When a polynomial crosses the x-axis, the point at
which it crosses is called zero. There are multiple zeros within a polynomial. Finding a
zero within a polynomial comprises of first putting the exponents in descending order.
Next, find the constant term (p) and leading coefficient (q). In the equation of p/q, find all
of the possible rational zeros. Then, using synthetic division, choose one of the possible
zeros. If there is no remainder after the synthetic division is executed, then it can be
confirmed that you have found a rational zero. If the remainder is not zero, you must
repeat the process of synthetic division with another possible zero. Once you find a real
zero, you must factor the preceding numbers that were found at the bottom the synthetic
division and create a factored equation. If the equation can be factored further, identify the
amount of zeros and find the value of x.
The local minimum and maximum within a polynomial function can be found at the
lowest and highest points of a polynomial. Functions naturally curve up and down like
hills, making points where there are minimum and maximum values. Local minimums and
maximums pertain to the highest or lowest values in a local area, but does not pertain to
the whole entire function.




Works Cited
"Maxima and minima." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 25 Apr. 2014. Web. 1 May 2014.
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maxima_and_minima>.
"Polynomial Functions." SparkNotes. SparkNotes, Web. 2 May 2014.
<http://www.sparknotes.com/math/algebra2/polynomials/section5.rhtml>.