| Summary: | This lesson studies 3rd and 4th degree polynomial functions. It begins with a review of long division of a polynomial by a binomial and then introduces synthetic division. The Remainder Theorem is covered as well as evaluating polynomials. This leads to the Factor Theorem, factoring 3rd and 4th degree polynomial functions and finding integral and rational zeros.
After this lesson, you will be able to:
- define a polynomial function.
- divide a polynomial by a binomial using synthetic division.
- evaluate a polynomial function.
- find the remainder using the Remainder Theorem.
- find a zero of a polynomial function using the Factor Theorem.
- factor 3rd and 4th degree polynomial functions.
- classify zeros as integral or rational and determine their multiplicities by involving the leading coefficients and the constant terms.
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