Polynomials

Polynomials are classified by degree

Polynomials are classified by degree: Linear (degree 1) like 2x + 3, Quadratic (degree 2) like ax² + bx + c where a ≠ 0, and Cubic (degree 3) like ax³

A zero of polynomial p(x)

A zero of polynomial p(x) is a value k where p(k) = 0. For linear polynomial ax + b, the zero is -b/a. For quadratic ax² + bx + c, zeros are found by

Zeros are x

Zeros are x-coordinates where the polynomial graph intersects the x-axis. Linear polynomials have exactly one zero (one intersection point), quadratic

For quadratic ax² + bx +

For quadratic ax² + bx + c with zeros α and β: Sum = α + β = -b/a, Product = αβ = c/a. Example: For 2x² - 8x + 6 with zeros 1 and 3: Sum = 1 + 3 = 4 =

A polynomial of degree n can

A polynomial of degree n can have at most n zeros. Linear polynomials have at most 1 zero, quadratic polynomials have at most 2 zeros, and cubic polyn