CHAPTER II.

Polynomial and Polynomial Equations

Lesson 1.Polynomials

Lesson 2. Long Division

Lesson 3. Synthetic Division

Lesson 4. Remainder Theorem

Lesson 5. Factor Theorem

Lesson 6. Rational Root Theorem

Lesson 7. Factoring Polynomials

Lesson 8. Polynomial Equations

Lesson 9. Problems Involving Polynomials and Polynomial Equations

OBJECTIVES

At the end of this chapter, you are expected to:

a. Perform long division and synthetic division on polynomials;

b. Prove the Remainder Theorem, Factor Theorem and the Rational Root Theorem;
c. Factor polynomials;
d. Illustrate polynomial equations;
e. Solves problems involving polynomials and polynomial equations.
Lesson 1. Polynomials

Definitionof a Polynomial

A polynomial in one variable is any expression that can be written in the form
𝑎𝑛 𝑥 𝑛 + 𝑎𝑛−1 𝑥 𝑛−1 + ⋯ + 𝑎1 𝑥 1 + 𝑎0

where 𝑥 is a variable, the exponents are nonnegative integers, and the

coefficients are real numbers.

By definition of Polynomial, let us investigate which of the expressions are polynomials or NOT.

Exponents Exponents
Coefficients Exponents
are are Polynomial
Expressions are real are non-
nonnegativ negative or NOT
numbers integers
e integers integers
̸ ̸ Polynomial
̸ ̸ Polynomial
̸ ̸ NOT
̸ ̸ NOT
̸ ̸ NOT

Since, numbers 1 and 2 exponents are nonnegative integers and the coefficients are real
numbers. Therefore, these are polynomial expressions.
The degree of a polynomial is the power of the term that has the greatest exponent. If the
degrees of the terms of a polynomial decrease from left to right, the polynomial is in general form.
Like for example, 𝑥3 + 9𝑥2 + 26𝑥 + 2 the polynomial is in general form and the degree is 3.
Other examples:

Polynomial Expressions Standard Form Degree of the

Polynomial
3𝑥3 −𝑥2 + 8𝑥 + 5 3𝑥3 −𝑥2 + 8𝑥 + 5 3
−10𝑥 + 2𝑥4 − 5𝑥3 + 8 2𝑥4 − 5𝑥3 − 10𝑥 + 8 4

TRY THIS
A. Tell whether the following is a polynomial or NOT. If it is a polynomial, write in standard form
and state the degree.

1. 3 x2 + 4 x 3+ 4 x−12
2.8 x 3+ x−4 – x 2+ 2 x +8
3. 12 x+ x 3 – x 2++ 4
4. 2 √ x 2−6 x +2
1 2
5. 3 – 3 x +6
x
EXERCISE 1

Name: ___________________________________________ Date:__________________

A. Tell whether the following is a polynomial or NOT. If it is a polynomial, write in standard form
and state the degree.

1. –x^4 + x^3 + x^5 – 3x^2 + 4x – 12

2. 3x^3 + 6x^5 – x^6 + 4x -1

3.2x^3 – x^4 + 6x^2 – 4x + 8

4.x^2 + x^5 + 2/3x^3 – 3x^4 = 3x + 7

5. x^3 + 2x - 1
Lesson 2. Find the Quotient of Polynomials by Long Division

In dividing polynomials, it has the same process as dividing numbers. Like, divide
2𝑥3 −11𝑥2 − 33𝑥 + 54 by 𝑥 − 3.

First, divide 2𝑥 3 by 𝑥 to get 2𝑥 2

2𝑥 2
𝒙 − 3 𝟐𝒙 � − 11𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 54
Then multiply 2𝑥 2 �− 6𝑥 2
2𝑥 3 Subtract
by the divisor.
−5𝑥 2 − 3𝑥
Solution:

2 Now divide −5𝑥 2 by 𝑥 to get −5𝑥

2𝑥 − 5𝑥
𝒙−3 2𝑥 3 − 11𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 54
Then multiply −5𝑥 2𝑥 3 − 6𝑥 2
by the divisor. −𝟓𝒙 𝟐 − 3𝑥
−5𝑥 2 + 15𝑥 Subtract
−18𝑥 + 54

Now divide −18𝑥 by 𝑥 to get −18

2𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 − 18
3 2
𝒙 − 3 2𝑥 − 11𝑥 − 3𝑥 + 54
Then multiply −18 2𝑥 3 − 6𝑥 2
by the divisor. −5𝑥 2 − 3𝑥
−5𝑥 2 + 15𝑥
−𝟏𝟖𝒙 + 54
−18𝑥 + 54 Subtract
0
The quotient is 2𝑥2 − 5𝑥 − 18.

Check your answer by multiplying the quotient with the divisor. Do not forget to add the remainder
if there is to the quotient.

EXAMPLE Divide 𝑥3 − 4𝑥 + 4 by 𝑥 − 2. Notice the absence of 𝑥2 term in the dividend. Add

0𝑥2term to the dividend.
SOLUTION
 2 4
The quotient is x + 2 x + . Do not forget to add the remainder.
x−2
TRY THIS Divide (𝑥3 − 2𝑥2 + 10𝑥 − 20) by (𝑥 − 2)
EXERCISE 2

Name: _________________________________________ Date: ________________________

A. Find the quotient by dividing the polynomials using the long division.

1. (𝑥3 − 2𝑥2 + 10𝑥 − 20) ÷ (𝑥 − 2) 2. (2𝑥3 + 11𝑥2 + 10𝑥 − 8) ÷ (𝑥 + 4)

3. (𝑥3 + 10𝑥2 − 4𝑥 − 40) ÷ (𝑥 + 10) 4. (4𝑥3 + 10𝑥2 + 3𝑥 − 2) ÷ (𝑥 + 2)

Lesson 3. Find the Quotient of Polynomials using Synthetic Division

In finding the quotient of polynomials, long division is used. There is another way of finding the
quotient using the shortcut method called the synthetic division. Synthetic division is simply an
abbreviation form of the long division. Synthetic division is used when the divisor is of the form 𝑥
−𝑐

Consider this division of polynomials:

(𝑥3 + 5𝑥2 + 4𝑥 − 4) ÷ (𝑥 + 2)

Study properly the procedures using both long division and synthetic division:

Long Division Synthetic Division

If you may notice, both methods give the same quotient of 𝑥2 + 3𝑥 − 2. Out of the two
methods, synthetic division is faster. The corresponding numbers in each process are shaded.
Synthetic division contains all of the same information, but in a condensed form.

Steps to follow in dividing polynomials by synthetic division:

1. Arrange the terms of the dividend in descending order of exponent.

2. Write the numerical coefficient in a row, with 0 representing any missing term.
3. Write the constant term c of the divisor x - c at the left hand side of the coefficient.
4. Bring down the leading coefficient of the dividend. Multiply it by c and add to the second
column.
5. Multiply the sum obtained in step 4 by c and adds to the 3rd column. Repeat this process
until you reach the last column.
6. The 3rd rows of numbers are numerical coefficient of the quotient. The degree is one less
than that of the dividend. The right member is the remainder.
EXAMPLE P(x) = x3 + 4x2 + 3x – 2 by x – 3
SOLUTION x3 + 4x2 + 3x – 2 Step 1

1 4 3 -2 Step 2
3 3 Step 3
1 Step 4

1 4 3 -2 Step 5
3 3 21 72
1 7 24 70
2 70
Thus the quotient is x + 7 x +24 + Step 6
x −3

TRY THIS (𝑥3 + 5𝑥2 + 4𝑥 − 4) ÷ (𝑥 + 2)

EXAMPLE Divide ( – x2 + 3x3 - 8x + 5) by (x + 2)

SOLUTION 3 x 3 – x 2 – 8 x +5 x+2=0
x = -2

3 -1 -8 5
-2 -6 14 -12
2 7
3 -7 6 -7 Thus the quotient is 3 x – 7 x +6 –
x +2

TRY THIS (𝑥3 + 2𝑥2 − 18𝑥 + 9) ÷ (𝑥 − 3)

EXAMPLE Divide (𝑥3 −𝑥2 − 22𝑥 + 12) by (𝑥 − 5)

SOLUTION x–5=0
x=5
1 -1 -22 12
5 5 20 -10
1 4 -2 2

2 2
Thus the quotient is x + 4 x – 2+
x−5

TRY THIS (2𝑥3 − 3𝑥2 − 5𝑥 + 6) ÷ (2𝑥 + 3)

EXERCISE 3

Name: ________________________________________ Date: _____________

A. Find the quotient of the following.

1. Divide P(x) = 4x4 + 12x3 + 9x2 – 8x – 5 by 2x + 1

2.P(x) = 15x3 – 19x2 + 24x – 12 by 3x – 2

3. P(x) = -9x4 + 9x3 – 26x2 + 26x – 8 by 3x - 1

Lesson 4.The Remainder Theorem

Using the long division and synthetic division in the process of dividing polynomials, a
remainder was noted. The remainder reveals that the polynomial is not exactly divisible by another
polynomial. A zero remainder means a polynomial is divisible by another.

Here is the Division Algorithm for Polynomials.

Division A lgorithm fo r Polynomials

For each polynomial 𝑃 (𝑥 ) of positive degree 𝑛 and any real number 𝑐 , there
exist a unique polynomial 𝑄 (𝑥 ) and a real number 𝑅 such that
𝑃 (𝑥 ) = (𝑥 − 𝑐 ) ∙ 𝑄 (𝑥 ) + 𝑅
where 𝑄 (𝑥 ) is of degree 𝑥 − 1 , and 𝑅 is the remainder.

When you substitute the value of 𝑐 of the divisor 𝑥 − 𝑐 in the polynomial 𝑃(𝑥), you can test whether
a certain polynomial is exactly divisible by another or is a factor by the Remainder Theorem.

Remainder Theorem

If a polynomial 𝑃(𝑥 ) is divided by 𝑥 − 𝑐, where 𝑐 is a real number, then the

remainder is 𝑃(𝑐) .

Proof:
1. 𝑃(𝑥) = (𝑥 − 𝑐) ∙ 𝑄(𝑥) + 𝑅 Division Algorithm for Polynomials
2. 𝑃(𝑐) = (𝑐 − 𝑐) ∙ 𝑄(𝑥) + 𝑅 The equation is true for all 𝑥, therefore, let 𝑥 = 𝑐.
3. 𝑃(𝑐) = 0 ∙ 𝑄(𝑥) + 𝑅
4. 𝑃(𝑐) = 𝑅
Hence, the remainder 𝑅 is equal to 𝑃(𝑐).

EXAMPLE Let us apply the Remainder Theorem.

Find the remainder using the Remainder Theorem when (𝑥3 − 6𝑥2 + 18𝑥 − 18)÷(𝑥 − 2)

Solution:
𝑃(𝑥) = 𝑥3 − 6𝑥2 + 18𝑥 − 18
Since 𝑥 − 𝑐 = 𝑥 − 2,
Then 𝑐 = 2

Therefore,
𝑃(2) = 23 − 6(2)2 + 18(2) − 18
𝑃(2) = 8 − 24 + 36 − 18
𝑃(2) = 2
The remainder is 2. It is the same as obtained in long division.

Check by synthetic division:

1 -6 18 -18
2 2 -8 20
1 -4 10 2

TRY THIS 𝑥3 + 𝑥2 + 26) ÷ (𝑥 + 3)

EXAMPLE Use the Remainder Theorem to find the remainder when (𝑥4 −𝑥3 − 6𝑥2 − 2𝑥 + 20) ÷ (𝑥 +
3).
Solution:
𝑃(𝑥) = 𝑥4 −𝑥3 − 6𝑥2 − 2𝑥 + 20
𝑐 = −3
𝑃(−3) = (−3) − (−3)3 − 6(−3)2 − 2(−3) + 20
4

𝑃(−3) = 81 + 27 − 54 + 6 + 20
𝑃(−3) = 80
The remainder is 80.
Check by synthetic division.

-3 1 -1 -6 -2 20
-3 12 -18 60
1 -4 6 -20 80 remainder
The remainder is 80.

TRY THIS (𝑥3 −𝑥2 − 16𝑥 + 8) ÷ (𝑥 − 4)

EXERCISE 4

Name: ___________________________________________ Date:___________

A. Find the remainder when P(x) is divided by x – c using the remainder theorem.

1. (x) = (x4 + 10x3 - 8x –80) x + 10

2. P(x) = (x5 + 2x4 – 3x3 + 4x2 - 5x + 2) x–1

3. P(x) = (x3 + 3x2 + 10x + 5) x–3

B. Find the value of the following function using the remainder theorem.

1. p(x) = 2x3 - 5x2 + 3x -7

x = -3

2. p(x) = 5x3 + 7x2 + 8

x = -2

3. p(x) = 4x4 + 5x3 + 8x2

x=4
Lesson 5. The Factor Theorem

When numbers are divided, remainder is obtained. If the remainder is zero that means a
number is exactly divisible by another number. So, the divisor is a factor of the dividend. The
concept is also true with polynomials. As you use the Remainder Theorem in dividing polynomials,
a zero remainder may attain. It means a polynomial is divisible by another polynomial. Hence, the
divisor is a factor of the dividend. This will lead us to another theorem called the Factor Theorem.
Factor Theorem is used to find whether a polynomial is a factor of another polynomial.

In the Remainder Theorem states that when the polynomial 𝑃(𝑥) is divided by 𝑥 − 𝑐, the
remainder is 𝑃(𝑐).

If 𝑃(𝑐) is 0, the equation

𝑃(𝑥) = (𝑥 − 𝑐) ∙ 𝑄(𝑥) + 𝑅 becomes
𝑃(𝑥) = (𝑥 − 𝑐) ∙ 𝑄(𝑥) + 0
then 𝑃(𝑥) = (𝑥 − 𝑐) ∙ 𝑄(𝑥).

FactorTheorem

Let 𝑃(𝑥)be a polynomial. If 𝑃(𝑐) = 0, where 𝑐 is a real number, then 𝑥 − 𝑐 is a

factor of 𝑃(𝑥). Conversely, if 𝑥 − 𝑐 is a factor of 𝑃(𝑥), then 𝑃(𝑐) = 0.

Since the theorem has a converse, the proof consists of two parts.
a.If (𝑥 − 𝑐) is a factor of 𝑃(𝑥), then 𝑃(𝑐) = 0.
b.If 𝑃(𝑐) = 0, then (𝑥 − 𝑐) is a factor of 𝑃(𝑥).
Proof for a:
Suppose (𝑥 − 𝑐)is a factor of 𝑃(𝑥), then 𝑃(𝑥) = (𝑥 − 𝑐) ∙ 𝑄(𝑥).
Since the equation is an identity and it is true for any value of 𝑥, then it must be true for 𝑥 = 𝑐.
Then, 𝑃(𝑐) = (𝑐 − 𝑐) ∙ 𝑄(𝑐)
𝑃(𝑐) = 0 ∙ 𝑄(𝑐) = 0

Proof for b:
Suppose 𝑃(𝑐) = 0. By the Remainder Theorem, when 𝑃(𝑥) is divided by (𝑥 − 𝑐), the remainder
𝑅 = 𝑃(𝑐) = 0.
Then, 𝑃(𝑥) = (𝑥 − 𝑐) ∙ 𝑄(𝑥) + 0
𝑃(𝑥) = (𝑥 − 𝑐) ∙ 𝑄(𝑥)

Therefore, (𝑥 − 𝑐) is a factor of 𝑃(𝑥).

EXAMPLE Let us apply the Factor Theorem.

Show that 𝑥 + 2 is a factor of 𝑥3 + 5𝑥2 + 4𝑥 − 4.

Solution:
 Let 𝑃(𝑥) = 𝑥3 + 5𝑥2 + 4𝑥 − 4
𝑃(−2) = (−2)3 + 5(−2)2 + 4(−2) − 4
𝑃(−2) = −8 + 20 − 8 − 4
𝑃(−2) = 0
By Factor Theorem, 𝑥 + 2 is a factor of 𝑥3 + 5𝑥2 + 4𝑥 − 4.
Check by synthetic division:
1 5 4 -4
-2 -2 -6 4
1 3 -2 0
Since the remainder is 0, thus x + 2 is a factor of 𝑥3 + 5𝑥2 + 4𝑥 – 4.

TRY THIS Show that 𝑥 − 2 is a factor of 𝑥3 − 5𝑥2 + 10𝑥 − 8

EXAMPLE Show that 𝑥 − 3 is a factor of 𝑥4 −𝑥3 − 9𝑥2 + 12𝑥 − 9.

Solution:
Let 𝑃(𝑥) = 𝑥4 −𝑥3 − 9𝑥2 + 12𝑥 − 9
𝑃(3) = (3)4 − (3)3 − 9(3)2 + 12(3) − 9
𝑃(3) = 81 − 27 − 81 + 36 − 9
𝑃(3) = 0
By Factor Theorem, 𝑥 − 3 is a factor of 𝑥4 −𝑥3 − 9𝑥2 + 12𝑥 − 9.

Check by synthetic division

1 -1 -9 12 -9
3 3 6 -9 9
1 2 -3 3 0
Since Since the remainder is 0, thus x -3 is a factor of 𝑥4 −𝑥3 − 9𝑥2 + 12𝑥 – 9.

TRY THIS Show that x – 3 is a factor of x 3 – 27.

EXERCISE 5

Name: _____________________________________________ Date: __________________

A. Determine if the second polynomial is a factor of the first polynomial.

1. P(x) = 2x4 + x3 + 2x + 1; (x + 1)

2. P(x) = x3 + 4x2 + x – 6; (x + 3)

B. Which of the following is a factor of (x) = x3 – 7x + 6.

a. x + 2

b. x – 3

c. x – 1

d. x + 1
Lesson 6. Rational Root Theorem
If f(x)= anxn + an-1xn-1 + …..+ a1x1 + a0 has integer coefficients, then every rational zero of f(x)
has the following form:
p factors of theconstant term a0
=
q factors of the leading coefficient a n

EXAMPLE Find all the possible roots of f ( x )=x 2 – 4 x+3 using Rational Root Theorem.
SOLUTION Factors of your constant term (p = 3) : ± 1, ± 3
Factors of the leading coefficient ( q = 1) : ± 1
1 3
Possible rational root: ± ,±
1 1
Simplified list: ± 1, ± 3

Using Remainder Theorem

x=1 x = -1 x=3 x = -3
2 2 2
f ( x )=x – 4 x+3 f ( x )=x – 4 x+3 f ( x )=x – 4 x+3 ( x )=x 2 – 4 x +3
f ( 1 ) =12 – 4(1)+3 f (−1 ) =(−1)2 – 4 (−1)+ 3 f ( 3 )=32 – 4 (3)+3 f (−3 )=(−3)2 – 4(−3)+3
f(x)= 0 f(x) = 8 f(x) = 0 f(x) = 24

Using Synthetic Division

1 -4 3 1 -4 3
1 1 -3 -1 -1 5
1 -3 0 1 -5 8

1 -4 3 1 -4 3
3 3 -3 -3 -3 21
1 -1 0 1 -7 24

Since 1 and 3 give the remainder of 0, thus the roots of are 1 and 3.

TRY THIS Find the factors of f ( x )=x 2 +7 x+ 12.

EXAMPLE Find the roots of the given function f ( x )=x 3−4 x 2−11 x +30.
SOLUTION Possible rational roots: ± 1, ± 2 ,± 3 , ±5 , ±6 ,± 10 , ±15 , ±30
Use any of these (Remainder Theorem, Factor Theorem, Synthetic Division) to find
all possible factors.

1 -4 -11 30 1 -4 -11 30
-1 -1 5 6 2 2 -4 -30
1 -5 -6 36 1 -2 -15 0

Since 2 gives a remainder of 0, that means 2 is one of the roots. (There are other
factors).
TRY THIS Find all the rational roots of the given function f(x) = x3 – x2 – 5x – 3.

EXERCISE 6

Name: _________________________________________________ Date:_________

A. Find all the possible roots of the given function:

a. f(x) = x3 + 4x2 + 3x – 2

b. p(x) = 3x3 + 2x2 – 7x + 2

c. g(x) = x3 – 2x2 – 5x + 6
Lesson 7. Factoring Polynomials

Let us multiply the polynomials (𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 4).

𝑥 -2
𝑥 +4
4𝑥 -8
𝑥2 −2𝑥
𝑥2 +2𝑥 -8

The factors of the polynomial 𝑥2 + 2𝑥 − 8 are (𝑥 − 2) and (𝑥 + 4).

Factoring polynomials is the inverse process of multiplying polynomials. If we divide the polynomial
with the factors then the reminder is zero. So, if you are ask in 𝑥2 + 2𝑥 − 8 one factor is 𝑥 − 2, what
is the other factor? To find the other factor, you can use the synthetic division.

2 1 2 -8
2 8 𝑥2 + 2𝑥 − 8 = (𝑥 − 2)(𝒙 +
1 4 0 remaind 𝟒)Therefore, the other factor is 𝑥 + 4.
er EXAMPLE Find the other factor, if (𝑥 − 3) is a factor of (𝑥3 +
4𝑥2 − 11𝑥 − 30).
SOLUTION
1 4 -11 -30
3 3 21 30

1 7 10 0
3 2
(𝑥 + 4𝑥 − 11𝑥 − 30) = (𝑥 − 3)(𝒙 + 𝟕𝒙 + 𝟏𝟎)
𝟐

TRY THIS Find the missing factor in each of the following:

(𝑥3 + 𝑥2 − 4𝑥 − 8) = (𝑥 − 2)( ________________)

EXAMPLE Find the other factor, if (2𝑥 − 1) is a factor of (2𝑥3 + 5𝑥2 − 13𝑥 + 5).
SOLUTION
2𝑥 3 + 5𝑥 2 − 13𝑥 + 5 2𝑥 − 1
( ) ÷( )
2 2
5 13 5 1
(𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + ) ÷ (𝑥 − )
2 2 2 2
1 1 5 13 5
−
2 2 2 2
1 3 5
−
2 2 2
1 3 -5 0
 (2𝑥3 + 5𝑥2 − 13𝑥 + 5) = (2𝑥 − 1)(𝒙𝟐+ 𝟑𝒙 − 𝟓)
Try this Find the missing factor in each of the following:
(𝑥3 + 3𝑥2 − 4𝑥 − 12) = (𝑥 + 3) ( _________________ )
EXERCISE 7

Name: _______________________________________________ Date: ______________

Find the missing factor in each of the following:
1. (𝑥3 − 4𝑥2 + 2𝑥 + 7) = (𝑥 + 1) ( __________________ )

2. (2𝑥3 − 5𝑥2 + 7𝑥 − 10) = (𝑥− 2) ( ________________ )

3. (𝑥3 + 7𝑥2 + 6𝑥 − 24) = (𝑥 + 4) ( _________________ )

4. (3𝑥3 − 2𝑥2 − 7𝑥 + 6) = (𝑥 − 1) ( _________________ )

5. (2𝑥3 + 3𝑥2 + 6𝑥 − 4) = (2𝑥 − 1) ( ________________ )

Lesson 8. Polynomial Equations

How do polynomial expressions differ from polynomial equations? A polynomial expression is a

sum of terms containing the same variable raised to different powers while in polynomial equation
is a polynomial equal to zero.

Polynomial Equation

If we set the polynomial equal to zero or if we set y = 0 or f (x) = 0 then we get a so-
called polynomial equation:

a n x n + a n −1 x n −1 + … + a 2 x 2 + a 1 x + a 0 = 0.

Note that setting x = 0 in the polynomial’s graph means that we are looking at points where the
graph crosses the x- axis, and setting f(x) = 0 in the polynomial function means that we are
looking for values of x for which the output of the polynomial function is zero.

Answer the short activity.

Tell whether the following polynomials are Polynomial Equation or NOT.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
By looking at the equations found on the activity and compare it to the definition of polynomial
equation, items number 3 and 4 are said to be polynomial equations. Numbers 1, 2 and 5 are not
polynomial equations because the exponents of some of the terms are not nonnegative integers.

The Fundamental Theorem of Algebra

If 𝑓(𝑥) is a polynomial of degree 𝑛 > 0, then 𝑓(𝑥) has at least one complex root.

Every polynomial equation of a degree 𝑛 ≥ 1 has exactly 𝑛 roots.

Here is an illustration:

Polynomial Equations Degree of the Number of roots

polynomial
(x + 1)(x − 2)(x + 4) = 0 3 3
3x3 + 13x2 + 16x + 4 = 0 3 3
 (x 2)2(x − 1)(x + 3)3 = 0 6 6
x(x − 1)(x + 1)7 = 0 9 9

TRY THIS Determine the number of roots of each polynomial equation.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Lesson 9. Problem Solving Involving Polynomials And Polynomial Equations

You have learned a lot on polynomials and polynomial equations. You will apply what you’ve
learned in word problem.

Recall the tips in solving word problem.

Here are the tips you need to understand so that you may know how to solve word problem
involving polynomial..

1. Identify - What is the question?

2. Plan - What strategy will I use to solve the problem?
3. Solve - Carry out your plan
4. Verify - Does my answer make sense?

Some word problem you can try and solve.

If one ream of bond paper costs (3x − 4) pesos, how many reams can you buy for
(6x4 – 17x3 + 24x2 – 34x + 24) pesos?

1. Identify How many reams can you buy for (6x4 – 17x3 + 24x2 – 34x + 24)
pesos? 1 ream cost = (3x − 4) pesos
2. Plan “How many reams can you buy” implies division. Use Synthetic Division.
3. Solve 4 3 2
( )

4 2 17 8 34 8
− −
3 3 3
8 -4 16 -8
3 3
2 -3 4 6 0
Therefore, there are (2x3 – 3x2 + 4x − 6) reams of bond papers.
4. Verify (2x3 – 3x2 + 4x − 6) ∗ (3x − 4) = (6x4 – 17x3 + 24x2 – 34x + 24)
(6x4 – 17x3 + 24x2 – 34x + 24) = (6x4 – 17x3 + 24x2 – 34x + 24)

Here are Steps in solving word problem involving polynomial equation.

1. Identify your unknowns.

2. Write your equation.
3. Operate on the numbers.
4. Convert the equation into the standard form. Remember to change signs.
5. Factor the equation. By factoring, you reduce the quadratic equation into two equivalent
linear equations.
Example of the word problem

Find two consecutive odd integers whose product is 195.

1. Identify your Identify the unknowns: Let x = one

unknowns. odd number, so x + 2 = next
consecutive odd number.
2. Write your Write the equation.
equation. x(x + 2) = 195
3. Operate on Operate on the numbers. Multiply the two
the numbers. quantities. x2 + 2𝑥 = 195
4. Convert the Bring all terms to the left side of the equal sign and equate to
equation into zero.
the standard Remember to change signs.
form. x2 + 2x − 195 = 0
5. Factor the Factor the equation.
equation. (x + 15)(x − 13) = 0
Solve for x.
x + 15 = 0, x = −15
x − 13 = 0, x = 13

6. Check

The two consecutive integers are: -13 and -15, or 13 and 15

TRY THIS Solve the following problems. Show your solution.

1. If a car covers (15x2 + 17x − 2) kilometers in (3x + 2) hours, what is the average speed in
km/hr?
2. The volume of a rectangular solid is (x3 + x2 – 16x + 16) cubic cm, and its height is (x + 1) cm.
What is the area of its base?
EXERCISE 9

Name: ______________________________________ Date: ________________

1. A driver earns (12𝑦2 + 𝑦 − 35) pesos for working (3𝑦 − 5) hours, how much does he earn per
hour?

2. The side of a square lot is (5𝑥 − 3) meters. How many meters of fencing materials are
needed to enclose the square lot? What is the area of the square lot?

3. The sum of two numbers is 19 and their product is 60. Find the product.

4. The altitude of a triangle is 3 cm less than the base. The area of the triangle is 35 square
centimeters. What are its dimensions?