4.

4 The Rational Root

Theorem
Objectives: Identify all possible rational roots
of a polynomial equation by using the
Rational Root Theorem. Determine the
number of positive and negative real roots a
polynomial function has.
 Rational -helps find possible roots (rational)
Root
-polynomial a x^n + a x^n-1 + …+a x + a = 0
0 1 n-1 n
Theorem:

q is factors of a0 p is factors of an

p/q could be a root.

Ex. 1) List the possible rational roots of

3x³ - 13x² + 2x + 8 = 0. Then find the rational
roots.

Find the roots of

Ex. 2)
x³ + 6x² - 13x - 6 = 0.
Descartes’ Used to determine the possible number of
Rule of positive real zeros a polynomial has.
Signs:
Suppose P(x) is a polynomial whose terms
are arranged in descending powers of the
page 231
variable. Then the # of positive real
zeros of P(x) is the same as the # of
changes in sign of the coefficients of the
terms or is less than this by an even #.
The # of negative real zeros of P(x) is the
same as the # of changes in sign of the
coefficents of the terms of P(-x), or less
than this # by an even #. - Ignore zero
coefficients.
Ex. 3) Find the # of possible positive real zeros and
the # of possible negative real zeros for
P(x)=2x^4 - x³ - 2x² + 5x + 1. Then
determine the rational zeros.

Ex. 4) A manufacturer produces boxes for a

calculator company. The boxes have a
volume of 240 cm³. Their height is 6 cm
less than their width, while their length is 1
cm less than twice their width. Find the
dimensions of the box.