CHAPTER 2

POLYNOMIALS

Compendium

A. Introduction
i. Degree of polynomial

B. Polynomials of various types

i. Based on degree

ii. Based on number of terms

iii. Value of a polynomial

C. Zeroes of a polynomial
i. Geometrical meaning of zeroes of a polynomial

D. Relationship between zeroes and coefficients of quadratic

polynomials
E. Finding unknown coefficients when the relation between
zeroes and coefficients is given
F. Division algorithm for polynomials with real coefficients
G. Finding maximum or minimum value of a quadratic
polynomial
H. Bird’s-eye view
I. Solved examples
J. Practice yourself
K. Solutions

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A. Introduction
Let us look at an expression, p(x),
where p(x) = an xn + an-1xn-1 + an-2xn-2 + … + a0
we read it as p of x, which means the name of the expression is ‘p’
and it is made up of only one variable ‘x’.
Now, in the above expression, if exponent of variable in each term
is whole number, then we call p(x) as a polynomial expression.
a0, a1, a2, …, an are real numbers and are known as numerical co-
efficient of individual terms.
A polynomial in x can be denoted by the symbol like f(x), g(x),
p(x),….and many more. Similarly, a polynomial in y can be denoted
as f(y), g(y), p(y)….and many more.

Remember this!

For any algebraic expression to be polynomial

The exponents of variables should always be a whole number.
There should be no fractional powers of variables.
There should be no variables in the denominator

(a) x2 – 5x + 1 is a polynomial because it obeys all rules.

5
(b) is not a polynomial, because the variable is in the
𝑥+2

denominator.
(c) 5x2y-1 is not a polynomial, because the exponent is not a whole
number.

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Checkpoint 1

1. Which of the following expressions represent polynomial?

3
𝑥2
(1) 3x + x - 1
5 2
(2) x + 3x -
5 3
+5
√𝑥

(3𝑥 6 −5𝑥 4 +3𝑥 2 )

(3) (4) √2 𝑥 3 – 2x + 1
𝑥4

a. Degree:

The degree of a polynomial is the highest power of x in the

polynomial p(x) = an xn + an-1xn-1 + an-2xn-2 + … + a0.

Remember this!

The term defining the degree of a polynomial should have a

non-zero numerical co-efficient.
The degree of a non-zero constant (constant polynomial) is
zero.
Zero (0) is called zero polynomial.
The degree of 0 (zero polynomial) is not defined.

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B. Polynomial of various types

a. Based on degree

Let’s look at a few examples:

● 2x – 3, 4y + 7, 0.7z +3.2, etc. are linear polynomials. (degree = 1)

● 3x2 + 4, 4z2 – 4z -7, etc. are quadratic polynomials. (degree = 2)
● 8x3 – 3x2 + 5x +1, 0x4 + 7x3 + 4x -3, etc. are cubic polynomials.
(degree = 3).

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Checkpoint 2

Give 4 examples of biquadratic polynomials, two of which have

rational co-efficient, and the other two have irrational co-efficient.

b. Based on number of terms

Based on number of terms, polynomials are named as:

● Polynomial having 1 term is known as monomial.

● Polynomial having 2 terms is known as binomial.
● Polynomial having 3 terms is known as trinomial.
Polynomials having more than three terms are called polynomial,
in general.

Try and learn

(a) 3xy is monomial.

(b) 3x + y is binomial.
(c) x2y + xy – 5 is trinomial.

c. Value of a polynomial
Let’s assume we have a polynomial p(x) = 3x3 – 5x + 3.If we replace
x=2, we represent it as p(2), and it signifies the value of p(x) at a point
x = 2, Hence, p(2) = (24 – 10 + 3)= 17
Thus, the value of polynomial p(x) at point x = a is simply p(a).

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What is the value of constant

polynomial at any point?

Try and learn

Example 1: Find value of f(x) = x4 – 3x2 + 3 at x = 2.

Solution: value at x = 2 is f(2) So, f(2) = (2)4 – 3(2)2 + 3 = 7

Checkpoint 3

1. Write the degrees of following polynomials:

(a) 6x6 + 5x5 + 2x2 (b) 0x + 4
(c) 0x + 0 (d) (x + 3) (x – 3)
2. Find the values of the given polynomial at the point x = -1
(a) 3x3 + x -7 (b)4
(c) √3x5 + 3x – 1
3. Find the degree of the the polynomial p(t) = (-t9 + 4t6 +7t5)/t4
4. Find the degree of √3𝑥 22 + 11x5 – 8
5. Find value of f(x) = x3 – 3x2 + 2x – 5 at x = 3.

C. Zeroes of a polynomial
For any polynomial p(x), if for x = a, p(a) = 0, then a is known as the
zero of the polynomial p(x).
For example: If p(x) = 3x – 5, then for x = 5/3, p(x) = 0.
Hence, 5/3 is a zero of the polynomial p(x).

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Pro-tip!

If x = a is a zero of the polynomial p(x), then (x – a) is a factor of the

polynomial. We call it the ‘FACTOR THEOREM’

Checkpoint 4

1. If (x + a) is the factor of 2x2 + 2ax + 5x + 10, find ‘a’.

2. If (x-1) and (x+1) are factors of 2x3 + ax2 – bx+3 =0 then find the
values of a and b

i. Geometrical meaning of zeroes of a polynomial

If we plot y = p(x) on a graph, then zeroes of the polynomial

represent the values of x where p(x) will be zero; or y will be equal
to zero.
Since y = 0 represents x-axis, hence, the zeroes of the polynomial
are points where the graph of y = p(x) intersects the x-axis.

ii. Linear Polynomial:

For any linear polynomial of the form f(x) = ax + b, a ≠ 0, the graph

is a straight line which will intersect x-axis only at one point i.e. (-
b/a, 0).

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So, for f(x) = ax + b, a ≠ 0, there is just one zero

Hence, we can logically interpret that a linear polynomial will

intersect the x-axis only once and therefore, has to be a line.
In fact, the total number of ‘ups and downs’ of a graph is equal to
the degree of the polynomial.
For example, A line has only one up/down, a quadratic polynomial
has 1 up + 1 down and so on.

iii. Graph of quadratic polynomials:

For a quadratic polynomial ax2 + bx + c, (a ≠ 0) the graph is

parabola.

● Parabola opening upwards if a > 0

● Parabola opening downwards if a < 0

Zeroes of the given quadratic polynomials ax2 + bx + c, (a ≠ 0) are

the x-coordinates of the points where the graph of given quadratic
polynomial intersects the x-axis.
If we draw graph of polynomial y = ax2 + bx + c, (a ≠ 0), then following
cases arise:

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Case 1: No zeroes

Case 2: 1 Zero

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Case 3: 2 Zeroes

● A quadratic polynomial has at most two zeroes, and the graph

intersects the x-axis at the points equal to the number of zeroes
of the polynomial.
● If the graph intersects the positive points of the x-axis, then the
polynomial will have positive zeroes, but if the graph intersects
the negative points of the x-axis, then it will have negative
zeroes.
● A polynomial equation of degree ‘n’ will always have at most ‘n’
zeroes.
● For cubic polynomial, the graph can be plotted for values of x
and corresponding values of y.

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Try and learn

Example 2 (NCERT): Look at the graphs given below. Each is the

graph of y = p(x), where p(x) is a polynomial. For each of the graphs,
find the number of zeroes of p(x).

Solution:

(i) The number of zeroes is 1 as the graph intersects the x-axis at one
point only.
(ii) The number of zeroes is 2 as the graph intersects the x-axis at
two points.
(iii) The number of zeroes is 3.
(iv) The number of zeroes is 1.
(v) The number of zeroes is 2.
(vi) The number of zeroes is 4.

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Checkpoint 5

1. The graphs of y = p(x) are given in below, for some polynomials

p(x). Find the number of zeroes of p(x), in each case.

2. Represent a linear polynomial 4x + 7 on the graph along with its

zero.
3. If one of the zeroes of the quadratic polynomial (k – 1) x2 + kx + 1
is -3, then find k.
4. Determine the type of graph for the polynomials -x2 + x + 2 and
2x2 – 3x + 5

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D. Relationship between zeroes and coefficient of a
polynomial

i. Quadratic Polynomial
● Let ‘𝛼’ and ‘𝛽’ be the zeroes of a quadratic polynomial, then (x –
𝛼) and (x – 𝛽) are its factors.
Hence, the quadratic polynomial can be given as
p(x) = k (x – 𝛼 ) (x – 𝛽), where k is any non-zero constant
p(x) = k (x2 – (𝛼 + 𝛽) x + 𝛼𝛽)
Where, 𝛼 + 𝛽 is the sum of the zeroes, and 𝛼𝛽 is the product of
zeroes.
So, p(x) = k [x2 – (sum of zeroes) x + (product of zeroes)]
If we compare this with the general quadratic polynomial ax2 + bx
+ c, then
𝑏 −𝑘(𝛼 + 𝛽) −𝑏
= = −(𝛼 + 𝛽) ⟹ (𝛼 + 𝛽) =
𝑎 𝑘 𝑎
𝑐 𝑘𝛼𝛽 𝑐
Similarly, = = 𝛼𝛽 ⟹ 𝛼𝛽 =
𝑎 𝑘 𝑎

● Hence, if 𝛼 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝛽 are zeroes of the polynomial ax2 + bx + c then

−𝑏 −(𝑐𝑜𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑥)
Sum of zeroes = (𝛼 + 𝛽) = =
𝑎 (𝑐𝑜𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑥 2 )

𝑐 (𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚)
Product of zeroes = 𝛼𝛽 = =
𝑎 (𝑐𝑜𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑥 2 )

Pro-tip!

We can thus write a quadratic polynomial as k[x2 – (sum of

zeroes) x + (product of zeroes)]

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Try and learn

Example 3: Find sum and product of zeroes of polynomial 2x2 – 4x

+ 3.
Solution: On comparing the given polynomial with ax2 + bx + c, a =
2, b = -4 and c = 3
−𝑏 −(−4)
Sum of zeroes = = =2
𝑎 2
𝑐 3
Product of zeroes = =
𝑎 2

Example 4: Find the quadratic polynomial having zeroes 3 and -4.

Solution: Sum of zeroes = 3 + (-4) = -1
Product of zeroes = 3×(-4) = -12
Polynomial will be k[x2 – (sum of roots)x + product of zeroes]
= k [x2 + x – 12]
Example 5: Find quadratic polynomial each with the given
numbers as the sum and product of its zeroes, respectively.
1 1
(i) , −1 (ii)√2,
4 3

Solution: We know that a quadratic polynomial when the sum and

product of its zeroes are given is 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑘[ x2- (Sum of the zeroes) x
+ Product of the zeroes], where k is a constant.
1
(i) Required quadratic polynomial f(x) is given by 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑘 (𝑥 2 − 4 𝑥 − 1)

1
(ii) Required quadratic polynomial f(x) is given by 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑘 (𝑥 2 − √2𝑥 + 3)

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Steps for finding zeroes of a quadratic polynomial:

Step 1: Factorize given quadratic polynomial.

Step 2: Equate each factor obtained in step 1 to zero.
Step 3: Solve the linear equations obtained in step 2.
Step 4: The values of the variables obtained in step 3 are the zeroes.
Example 6: Find zeroes of polynomial f(x) = x2 + 7x + 12

Solution: We have, f(x) = x2 + 7x + 12

f(x) = 𝑥 2 + 7𝑥 + 12 = 𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 3𝑥 + 12

𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥(𝑥 + 4) + 3(𝑥 + 4)

𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 + 4) (𝑥 + 3) For zeros of f(x) 𝑥 + 4 = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 + 3 =
0 𝑥 = − 4 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = −3

So, zeroes of given polynomial are -4 and -3.

Example 7: Find zeroes of polynomial x2 + 9x + 20 and verify the

relationship between the zeroes and the coefficients.

Solution: We have, f(x) = x2 + 9x + 20

f(x) = 𝑥 2 + 9𝑥 + 20 = 𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 + 4𝑥 + 20

𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥(𝑥 + 5) + 4(𝑥 + 5)

𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 + 5) (𝑥 + 4)
For zeros of f(x) 𝑥 + 5 = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 + 4 = 0 ⇒ 𝑥 = − 5 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = −4

So, zeroes of given polynomial are -5 and -4.

−(𝑐𝑜𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑥)
Sum of zeroes = –5 – 4 = -9 =
(𝑐𝑜𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑥 2 )

(𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚)
Product of zeroes = (-5) × (-4) = 20 =
(𝑐𝑜𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑥 2 )

Hence, verified.

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● Symmetric functions of the zeros
If 𝛼 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝛽 be the zeros of a quadratic polynomial, then using value
of 𝛼 + 𝛽 and 𝛼𝛽, we can determine the values of the following
expressions:

1 1 𝛼+𝛽
(1) + =
𝛼 𝛽 𝛼𝛽

(2) 𝛼 2 + 𝛽 2 = (𝛼 + 𝛽)2 − 2𝛼𝛽

(3) (𝛼 − 𝛽)2 = (𝛼 + 𝛽)2 − 4𝛼𝛽
(4) 𝛼 2 − 𝛽 2 = (𝛼 + 𝛽)(𝛼 − 𝛽) = (𝛼 + 𝛽)(±√(𝛼 + 𝛽)2 − 4𝛼𝛽)
(5) 𝛼 3 + 𝛽 3 = (𝛼 + 𝛽)3 − 3𝛼𝛽(𝛼 + 𝛽)
(6) 𝛼 3 − 𝛽 3 = (𝛼 − 𝛽)3 + 3𝛼𝛽(𝛼 − 𝛽)
(7) 𝛼 4 + 𝛽 4 = (𝛼 2 + 𝛽 2 )2 − 2(𝛼𝛽)2 = [(𝛼 + 𝛽)2 − 2𝛼𝛽]2 − 2(𝛼𝛽)2

Try and learn

Example 8: If 𝛼 and 𝛽 are the zeros of the quadratic polynomial

𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 then calculate :
𝛼2 𝛽2
(i) 𝛼 2 + 𝛽 2 (ii) +
𝛽 𝛼

Solution:
Since 𝛼 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝛽 are the zeros of the quadratic polynomial 𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐
𝑏 𝑐
∴ 𝛼 + 𝛽 = − 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝛼𝛽 =
𝑎 𝑎

(i) We have 𝛼 2 + 𝛽 2 = (𝛼 + 𝛽)2 − 2𝛼𝛽

−𝑏 2 2𝑐 𝑏2 −2𝑎𝑐
⇒ 𝛼 2 + 𝛽2 = ( ) − =
𝑎 𝑎 𝑎2

𝛼2 𝛽2 𝑎3 + 𝛽 3 (𝛼 + 𝛽)3 − 3𝛼𝛽(𝛼+𝛽)
(ii) we have + = =
𝛽 𝛼 𝛼𝛽 𝛼𝛽

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𝑏 3 𝑐 𝑏
(− 𝑎) − 3 (𝑎) (− 𝑎) 𝛼 2 𝛽 2 3𝑎𝑏𝑐 − 𝑏 3
= 𝑐 + =
𝛽 𝛼 𝑎2 𝑐
𝑎
Example 9: If 𝛼 and 𝛽 are zeroes of polynomial x2 – 3x + 5 then find
the polynomial having zeroes:
𝛼 𝛽
(1) 3𝛼 and 3𝛽 (2) and
𝛽 𝛼

Solution: From given polynomial x2 – 3x + 5

𝛼 + 𝛽 = -(-3)/1 = 3

𝛼𝛽 = (5)/1 = 5

(1) Sum of zeroes = 3𝛼 + 3𝛽 = 3 (𝛼 + 𝛽) = 9

Product of zeroes = (3𝛼)(3𝛽) = 9𝛼𝛽 = 45

So, the polynomial will be of the form

k[x2-(Sum of zeroes)x + Product of zeroes] = k[x2 – 9x + 45]

𝛼 𝛽 𝛼2 + 𝛽2 (𝛼 + 𝛽)2 − 2𝛼𝛽 −1
(2) Sum of zeroes = + = = =
𝛽 𝛼 𝛼𝛽 𝛼𝛽 5

𝛼 𝛽
Product of zeroes = . =1
𝛽 𝛼
1
So, the required polynomial will be k[x2 +( )x + 1]
5

Checkpoint 6

1. Find zeroes of the polynomial f(x) = 2x2 – x – 6.

2. Find sum and product of zeroes polynomial 3x2 + 6x – 4.
3. Find the polynomial whose zeroes are 3 and – 5.
4. If 𝛼 and 𝛽 are zeroes of polynomial 2x2 – 4x + 3 then find values of:

𝑎. 𝛼 4 𝛽2 + 𝛼 2 𝛽 4 b. (𝛼 − 𝛽)2 c. 𝛼 3 + 𝛽 3

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Cubic Polynomials

● Let 𝛼, 𝛽 and 𝛾 be the zeroes of a cubic polynomial, then (x – 𝛼),

(x – 𝛽) and (x – 𝛾 ) are the factors of the polynomial.
Hence, the cubic polynomial can be written as p(x) = k(x – 𝛼)(x –
𝛽)(x – 𝛾 ), where k is any non-zero constant

So, p(x) = k[x3 – (𝛼 + 𝛽 + 𝛾)x2 + ( 𝛼𝛽 + 𝛽𝛾 + 𝛾𝛼)x – 𝛼𝛽𝛾]

where 𝛼 + 𝛽 + 𝛾 = Sum of zeroes,
𝛼𝛽 + 𝛽𝛾 + 𝛾𝛼 = Sum of product of zeroes taken two at a time,
𝛼𝛽𝛾 = Product of zeroes. Hence, p(x) can be given as

P(x) = k [x3 – (Sum of zeroes) x2 + (Sum of product of zeroes taken

two at a time)x – Product of zeroes]

Let’s compare it with a general cubic polynomial ax3 + bx2 + cx + d

𝑏 (−𝑘(𝛼+𝛽+𝛾))
− =− = (𝛼 + 𝛽 + 𝛾)
𝑎 𝑘

𝑐 𝑘(𝛼𝛽+𝛽𝛾+𝛾𝛼))
= = 𝛼𝛽 + 𝛽𝛾 + 𝛾𝛼
𝑎 𝑘

𝑑 (−𝑘(𝛼𝛽𝛾))
− =− = 𝛼𝛽𝛾
𝑎 𝑎

● Hence, if 𝛼, 𝛽 and 𝛾 be the zeroes of cubic polynomial ax3 + bx2 +

cx + d, then
𝑏 (𝑐𝑜𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑥 2 )
Sum of zeroes = 𝛼 + 𝛽 + 𝛾 = − = −
𝑎 (𝑐𝑜𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑥 3 )
𝑐
Sum of product of zeroes taken two at a time = 𝛼𝛽 + 𝛽𝛾 + 𝛾𝛼 =
𝑎

(𝑐𝑜𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑥)
=
(𝑐𝑜𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑥 3 )
𝒅 (𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚)
Product of zeroes = 𝛼𝛽𝛾 = − = −
𝒂 (𝑐𝑜𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑥 3 )

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We can thus write a cubic polynomial as k[x3 – (sum of zeroes)

x2 + (sum of product of zeroes taken two at a time) x – (product
of zeroes)]

Try and learn

Example 10: Determine the cubic polynomial with the sum, sum of
the products of its zeroes of two at a time, and product of its zeroes
as 5, 3 and -8 respectively.
Solution: Cubic polynomial having zeroes 𝛼, 𝛽 and 𝛾 can be given
as
k[x3 – (𝛼 + 𝛽 + 𝛾)x2 + ( 𝛼𝛽 + 𝛽𝛾 + 𝛾𝛼)x – 𝛼𝛽𝛾]
we have. 𝛼 + 𝛽 + 𝛾 = 5
𝛼𝛽 + 𝛽𝛾 + 𝛾𝛼 = 3 and 𝛼𝛽𝛾 = -8
So, required polynomial is k[x3 – 5x2 + 3x + 8]
Example 11: If p – q, p and p + q are zeroes of the polynomial
p(x) = x3 – 6x2 + 3kx +16, then find value of k and q.
Solution: Sum of zeroes = (p – q) + p + (p + q) = -b/a = 6
⇒3p = 6
⇒p = 2
p is zero of polynomial, so p(2) = 0
⇒ (2)3 – 6(2)2 + 3k(2) + 16 = 0
⇒k=0
Product of zeroes = (2-q)(2)(2+q) = -16
⇒ 4 – q2 = -8
⇒ q = ±2√3

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● Procedure for finding zeroes of a Cubic polynomial

Step: 1 Find first zero by hit and trial

Step: 2 Now, if we know one zero, then we know one factor of the
polynomial. Divide cubic polynomial by this factor to find the
quadratic polynomial.
Step: 3 Now, factorize the quadratic polynomial to find out the
other two zeroes of cubic polynomial.
Step: 4 These three zeroes are the required zeroes.

Try and learn

Example 12: Determine zeroes of polynomial f(x) = x3 - 6x2 + 11x - 6.

Solution: By hit and trial, at x = 1
f(1) = 1-6+11-6 = 0
So, x = 1 is one zero of given polynomial
Hence, (x-1) is a factor of x3 - 6x2 + 11x – 6 on dividing x3 - 6x2 + 11x - 6
by (x-1), we get quotient as q(x) = x2 - 5x + 6
Now remaining two zeroes can be obtained by solving q(x) = 0
x2-5x + 6 = 0
(x - 2) (x - 3) = 0, x = 2, 3
Hence, zeroes of given polynomial are 1, 2 and 3.

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Checkpoint 7

1. Find the cubic polynomial having roots 2,3 and -5

2. If 𝛼, 𝛽 and 𝛾 are zeroes of the polynomial f(x) = x3-ax2+bx-c then
1 1 1
find value of + + .
𝛼𝛽 𝛽𝛾 𝛾𝛼

3. If a-b, a and a + b are zeroes of the polynomial f(x) = x3 – 3x2 +x+1,

then find values of a and b.

Mental floss!

Find the relationship between zeroes and coefficients of a

biquadratic polynomial.

E. Finding unknown coefficients when relation between

zeroes and coefficients is given

Try and learn

Example 13: If the value of the square of difference of the zeroes of

the polynomial f(x)=x2 + kx + 15 is 340, then find the value of k.
Solution: Suppose a and b are zeroes of the given polynomial, then
(a - b)2 = 340
(a + b)2 - 4ab = 340
k2 - 60 = 340
k2 = 400
k = ±20

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Example 14: If the product of zeroes of polynomial px2-5x+4 is 12,
then find the value of p.
Solution: Product of roots = c/a = 4/p, 12 = 4/p, p = 1/3

Checkpoint 8

1. If one zero of f(x) = x2 + 3px – 5 is negative of other then value of

p equals to :
(1) 0 (2) 1 (3) 2 (4) 3

2. If sum and product of zeroes of polynomial f(x) = 2x2 -9kx + 4/k =

0, are equal then value of k is :
(1) 2/3 (2) -2/3 (3) 1/3 (4) ±2/3

3. If 2 is zero of both polynomials px2 – 3qx + 4 and x2 + 2px – q, the

find values of p and q.
4. If the sum of zeroes of polynomial ax2 -6x+3a is equal to their
product then find value of a.
5. Find a quadratic polynomial whose sum and product of zeroes
are -3 and 2 respectively.
6. Find the zeroes of the polynomial f(x) = x3 – 5x2 -2x + 24, if it is
given that the product of two of its zeroes is 12.
7. Find a cubic polynomial whose three zeroes are 3, -1 and 2.
8. If a and b are zeroes of the quadratic polynomial x2 – 5, then form
a quadratic polynomial with zeroes a + 1 and b + 1
9. If 2 and 3 are zeroes of polynomial 3x2 – 3kx + 2m, then find the
values of k and m.

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 CHAPTER 2
POLYNOMIALS
10. If 2 is a zero of the polynomial ax2 – 3(a – 1) x -1, find the value of
'a.'
11. If a and b are zeroes of quadratic polynomial p(x) = x2 – (k + 6)x +
2(2k – 1), then find the value k if (a + b) = ab/2
12. If a and b are zeroes of quadratic polynomial f(x) = x2 – px + q,
then prove that (a2/b2) + (b2/a2) = (p4/q2) – (4p2/q) + 2
13. If the zeroes of the cubic polynomial x3 – 6x2 + 3x + 10 are of the
form a, a + b, a + 2b for some real numbers a and b, then find the
value of a and b.

Mental floss!

Hence, if x + y + z = 0, then

F. Division algorithm for polynomials with real

co-efficient
If f(x) and g(x) are any two polynomials with g(x) ≠ 0, then we can
find two polynomials q(x) and r(x) such that f(x) = g(x) × q(x) + r(x),
where r(x) = 0 or degree of r(x) < degree of g(x)

Dividend = Divisor Quotient + Remainder

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 CHAPTER 2
POLYNOMIALS

Divide f(x) by g(x)

If r(x) 0, If r(x) = 0, division

is complete.

If degree of r(x) < If degree of r(x)

degree of g(x), degree of g(x),
division is divide again
complete

Try and learn

Example 15: Divide the polynomial 2𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 1 by the polynomial

x + 2 and verify the division algorithm.

2x-1
x+2 ) 2𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 1
2𝑥 2 + 4𝑥
- -
−𝑥 + 1 −𝑥−2 + +
3
Solution: We have

Clearly, quotient = 2𝑥 − 1 and remainder =3

Also, (𝑥 + 2)(2𝑥 − 1) + 3 = 2𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 − 𝑥 − 2 + 3 = 2𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 1
Hence, verified.

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 CHAPTER 2
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Example 16: Check whether the polynomial 𝑡 2 − 3 is a factor of the
polynomial 2𝑡 4 + 3𝑡 3 − 2𝑡 2 − 9𝑡 − 12, by dividing the second
polynomial by the first polynomial.

Solution: We have

2𝑡 2 + 3𝑡 + 4

𝑡2 )2𝑡 4 + 3𝑡 3 − 2𝑡 2 − 9𝑡 − 12(
−3
2𝑡 4 − 6𝑡 2

− +

3𝑡 3 + 4𝑡 2 − 9𝑡 − 12
3𝑡 3 − 9𝑡

− +

4𝑡 2 − 12
4𝑡 2 − 12
− +
0

Since the remainder is zero, therefore, the polynomial 𝑡 2 − 3 is a

factor of the polynomial 2𝑡 4 + 3𝑡 3 − 2𝑡 2 − 9𝑡 − 12

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 CHAPTER 2
POLYNOMIALS
Example 17: Find all the zeros of 2𝑥 4 − 3𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 − 2, if you know
that two of its zeros are √2 and −√2.

Solution: Let p(x) = 2𝑥 4 − 3𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 − 2 be the given polynomial.

Since two zeros are √2and −√2 so, (x- √2) and (x + √2) are both
factors of the given polynomial p(x). Also, (x- √2) (x + √2)=(𝑥 2 − 2) is
a factor of the polynomial . Now, we divide the given polynomial by
𝑥 2 − 2.

𝑡2 ) 2𝑥 4 − 3𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 − 2(2𝑥 2 −
−2
3𝑥 + 1

2𝑥 4 − 4𝑥 2

− +
−3𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 − 2
−3𝑥 3 + 6𝑥

+ −

𝑥2 −2
𝑥2 −2
− +
0

By division algorithm, we have

2𝑥 4 − 3𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 − 2 = (𝑥 2 − 2) (2𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 1)
⇒ 2𝑥 4 − 3𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 − 2 = (𝑥 − √2) (𝑥 + √2) (2𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 − 𝑥 + 1)

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 CHAPTER 2
POLYNOMIALS
⇒ 2𝑥 4 − 3𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 − 2 = (𝑥 − √2) (𝑥 + √2) (2𝑥(𝑥 − 1) − 1(𝑥 − 1))
⇒ 2𝑥 4 − 3𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 − 2 = (𝑥 − √2) (𝑥 + √2) (𝑥 − 1) (2𝑥 − 1)
1
When p(x) = 0, 𝑥 = √2, −√2, 1 𝑎𝑛𝑑
2

Hence, all the zeros of the polynomial 2𝑥 4 − 3𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 − 2 are

1
√2, −√2 , 1 and 2 .

Checkpoint 9

1. What will be the quotient and the remainder on division of ax2 +

bx + c by px3 + qx2 + rx + 5
2. On dividing a polynomial p(x) by 3x + 1, the quotient is (2x – 3) and
the remainder is -2. Then find p(x).
3. If the polynomial f(x) = 3x4 - 9x3 + x2 + 15x + k is completely divisible
by 3x2 – 5, then find the value of k and hence fine the other two
zeroes of the polynomial.
4. For what values of a and b, the zeroes of q(x) = x3 + 2x2 + a are also
the zeroes of the polynomial p(x) = x5 – x4 – 4x3 + 3x2 + 3x + b?
5. If two zeroes of the polynomial x4 – 6x3 – 26x2 + 138x - 35 are 2±√3,
then find other zeroes.
6. If the polynomials 6x4 + 8x3 + 17x2 + 21x + 7 is divided by another
polynomial 3x2 + 4x + 1, what will be the quotient and remainder?
7. If (x + a) is a factor of two polynomials x2 + px + q and x2 + mx + n,
then prove that a = (n - q)/(m – p).
8. The difference between two numbers is 642. When the greater
number is divided by, the smaller, the quotient is 8 and the
remainder is 19. Find the sum of cubes of the numbers.

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 CHAPTER 2
POLYNOMIALS
9. It is given that 1 is one of the zeroes of the polynomial 7x – x3 – 6.
Find its other zeroes.
10. Can a quadratic polynomial x2 + kx + k has equal zeroes for some
odd integer k > 1?
11. If the polynomial 4x4 + 2x3 – 2x2 + x + 1 is divided by another
polynomial x2 + 2x – 3, the remainder comes out to be ax + b, then
find values of a and b.

G. Finding maximum or minimum value of a quadratic

polynomial:

We know that a quadratic polynomial of the type ax2 + bx + c, (a ≠

0) Now, we will determine the coordinates of vertex of the parabola.

y = ax2 + bx + c

y = ax2 + bx + c

𝑏 𝑐
y = a ( 𝑥 2 + ( ) 𝑥 + ) (because ‘a’ is non-zero)
𝑎 𝑎

𝑏 𝑐
y = a ( 𝑥2 + 2 ( ) 𝑥 + )
2𝑎 𝑎

𝑏 𝑏 2 𝑐 𝑏 2
y = a ( 𝑥2 + 2 ( ) 𝑥 + ( ) + − ( ) )
2𝑎 2𝑎 𝑎 2𝑎

Using identity (a + b)2 = a2 + 2ab + b2

𝑏2 −4𝑎𝑐 𝑏 2
(𝑦 + 4𝑎
) = a (𝑥 + 2𝑎
) , let b2 – 4ac = D

𝐷 𝑏 2
(𝑦 + 4𝑎
) = a (𝑥 + 2𝑎
)

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 CHAPTER 2
POLYNOMIALS
𝑏
Case: 1 When a > 0, the least value of y would be at x = −
2𝑎

𝐷 𝑏 𝑏 2
⟹ (𝑦 +
4𝑎
) = a (− 2𝑎 + 2𝑎
)
𝐷
⟹𝑦 + =0
4𝑎
𝐷
⟹y=-
4𝑎
−𝑏 −𝐷
So, the coordinates of the vertex is ( , )
2𝑎 4𝑎
𝑏
Case: 2 When a < 0, the least value of y would be at x = − .
2𝑎
𝐷
Therefore, the ordinate of vertex would be − . In this case, also the
4𝑎
−𝑏 −𝐷
coordinates of the vertex of parabola is ( , ).
2𝑎 4𝑎

Pro-tip!

1. The coordinates of vertex of parabola y = ax2 + bx + c is .

(Where D = b2 – 4ac)
2. For quadratic polynomial f(x) = ax2 + bx + c, (a 0)
When a < 0
The minimum value of f(x) will be , when x =
When a > 0
The maximum value of f(x) will be , when x =
Where D = b2 – 4ac

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 CHAPTER 2
POLYNOMIALS
Example 18 : Find maximum or minimum value of polynomial f(x)
= 2x2 – 6x + 3. (Whichever exist)
Solution : On Comparing the given polynomial with ax2 + bx + c, we
get
a = 2, b = -6 and c = 3.
As a > 0, so the minimum value will exist
−𝐷 −(𝑏2 −4𝑎𝑐)
Minimum value = =
4𝑎 4𝑎
−3
On solving, minimum value =
2

Example 19 : Find value of x for which f(x) = -x2 +3x – 4 obtains its
maximum value, also find the maximum value.
Solution : On Comparing the given polynomial with ax2 + bx + c, we
get
a = -1, b = 3 and c = -4.
−𝑏 3
For maximum value, x = =
2𝑎 2
−𝐷 −(𝑏2 −4𝑎𝑐) 7
Maximum value = = =
4𝑎 4𝑎 4

Checkpoint 10

1. If the minimum value of x2 + 6x + 2 is M and maximum value of

-x2 + 4x + 8 is m then find value of M + m.
2. Find value of x for which polynomial f(x) = 3x2 – 5x + 4 obtains its
minimum value.
3. Find coordinates of vertex of parabola y = 2x2 + 4x + 1.

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POLYNOMIALS

Bird’s-eye view

1. In the Expression p(x) = an xn + an-1xn-1 + an-2xn-2 + … + a0, if exponent

of variable in each term is whole number then we call p(x) as a
polynomial expression.
2. The degree of any polynomial is the highest power of x in the
polynomial p(x) = an xn + an-1xn-1 + an-2xn-2 + … + a0.
3. For any polynomial p(x), if for x = a, p(a) = 0, then a is known as
the zero of the polynomial p(x).
4. If we plot y = p(x) on a graph, then zeroes of the polynomial
represent the values of x where p(x) will be zero; or y will be equal
to zero.
5. For any linear polynomial of the form f(x) = ax + b, a ≠ 0, the graph
is a straight line which will intersect x-axis only at one point i.e. (-
b/a, 0).
6. For a quadratic polynomial ax2 + bx + c, (a ≠ 0) the graph is
parabola.
Parabola opening upwards if a > 0
Parabola opening downwards if a < 0
7. A quadratic polynomial has at most two zeroes, and the graph
intersects the x-axis at the points equal to the number of zeroes
of the polynomial.
8. A polynomial equation of degree ‘n’ will always have at most ‘n’
zeroes.
9. We can write a quadratic polynomial as k[x2 – (sum of zeroes) x +
(product of zeroes)].

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 CHAPTER 2
POLYNOMIALS
10. If 𝛼 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝛽 are zeroes of the polynomial ax2 + bx + c then,
−𝑏 −(𝑐𝑜𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑥)
Sum of zeroes = (𝛼 + 𝛽) = =
𝑎 (𝑐𝑜𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑥 2 )

𝑐 (𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚)
Product of zeroes = 𝛼𝛽 = =
𝑎 (𝑐𝑜𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑥 2 )

11. We can thus write a cubic polynomial as k

[x3 – (sum of zeroes) x2 + (sum of product of zeroes taken two at
a time) x – (product of zeroes)]

12. 𝐼𝑓 𝛼, 𝛽 and 𝛾 be the zeroes of cubic polynomial ax3 + bx2 + cx + d,

then
𝒃 (𝑐𝑜𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑥 2 )
sum of zeroes = 𝛼 + 𝛽 + 𝛾 = − = −
𝒂 (𝑐𝑜𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑥 3 )

𝑐
sum of product of zeroes taken two at a time = 𝛼𝛽 + 𝛽𝛾 + 𝛾𝛼 =
𝑎

(𝑐𝑜𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑥)
=
(𝑐𝑜𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑥 3 )

𝑑 (𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚)
Product of zeroes = 𝛼𝛽𝛾 = − = −
𝑎 (𝑐𝑜𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑥 3 )

13. If f(x) and g(x) are any two polynomials with g(x) ≠ 0, then we can
find two polynomials q(x) and r(x) such that f(x) = g(x) × q(x) +
r(x), where r(x) = 0 or degree of r(x) < degree of g(x)
−𝑏 −𝐷
14. The coordinates of vertex of parabola y = ax2 + bx + c is ( , ).
2𝑎 4𝑎

(where D = b2 – 4ac)
15. For quadratic polynomial f(x) = ax2 + bx + c, (a ≠ 0)
When a < 0
−𝐷 −𝑏
The minimum value of f(x) will be , when x =
4𝑎 2𝑎

When a > 0
−𝐷 −𝑏
The maximum value of f(x) will be , when x =
4𝑎 2𝑎

Where D = b2 – 4ac.

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POLYNOMIALS

Solved examples

Example 1: Which of the following is not the graph of a quadratic

polynomial?

Solution:

(D) For any quadratic polynomial 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑐 + 𝑐, 𝑎 ≠ 0 the graph of the

corresponding equation 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 has one of the two shapes
either open upwards like  or open downwards like ) depending on
whether a > 0 or a < 0. These curves are called parabolas. So, option
(D) is not possible. Also, the curve of a quadratic polynomial crosses
the x-axis at most two points, but in option (D), the curve crosses
the x-axis at the three points, so it does not represent the quadratic
polynomial.

34
 CHAPTER 2
POLYNOMIALS
Example 2: Given that one of the zeroes of the cubic polynomial

𝑎𝑥 3 + 𝑏𝑥 2 + 𝑐𝑥 + 𝑑 is zero, the product of the other two zeroes is

𝑐 𝑐 𝑏
(A) − (B) (C) 0 (D) −
𝑎 𝑎 𝑎

Solution:
(B) Let 𝑝(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑥 3 + 𝑏𝑥 2 + 𝑐𝑥 + 𝑑
Let 𝛼,𝛽 and 𝛾 be the zeroes of p(x).
𝑐
We know that sum of product of zeroes taken two at a time = =
𝑎

𝛼𝛽 + 𝛽𝛾 + 𝛾𝛼
𝑐
⇒ 0 × 𝛽 + 𝛽𝛾 + 𝛾 × 0 =
𝑎
𝑐
⇒ 𝛽𝛾 =
𝑎
𝑐
Hence, product of other two zeroes =
𝑎

Example 3: If the zeroes of the quadratic polynomial 𝑥 2 +

(𝑎 + 1) 𝑥 + 𝑏 are 2 and -3, then
(𝐴) 𝑎 = −7, 𝑏 = −1 (B) a = 5, b = -1
(C) a = 2, b = -6 (D) a = 0, b = -6
Solution:
(D) Let p(x) = 𝑥 2 + (𝑎 + 1) 𝑥 + 𝑏
Given that 2 and -3 are the zeroes of the quadratic polynomial p(x).
∴ 𝑝(2) = 0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑝(−3) = 0
p(2)=0 ⇒ 22 + (𝑎 + 1)(2) + 𝑏 = 0
⇒ 2𝑎 + 𝑏 = −6 … … (𝑖)
Now, 𝑝(−3) = 0
⇒ (−3)2 + (𝑎 + 1)(−3) + 𝑏 = 0
⇒ 3𝑎 − 𝑏 = 6 . . . . ..(ii)
Solving (i) and (ii), we get 𝑎 = 0, 𝑏 = −6

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 CHAPTER 2
POLYNOMIALS
Example 4: If one of the zeroes of the quadratic polynomial
(𝑘 − 1)𝑥 2 + 𝑘𝑥 + 1 is −3, then the value of k is
4 −4 2 −2
(a) (b) (c) (d)
3 3 3 3

Solution:

(A)Let 𝑝(𝑥) = (𝑘 − 1)𝑥 2 + 𝑘𝑥 + 1

Given that one of the zeroes is -3, then 𝑃(−3) = 0

⇒ (𝑘 − 1)(−3)2 + 𝑘(−3) + 1 = 0

⇒ 9(𝑘 − 1) – 3𝑘 + 1 = 0

⇒ 6𝑘 − 8 = 0

⇒ 𝑘 = 4/3

Example 5: Given that the zeroes of the cubic polynomial 𝑥 3 − 6𝑥 2 +

3𝑥 + 10 are of the form 𝑎, 𝑎 + 𝑏, 𝑎 + 2𝑏 for some real numbers a and
b, find the values of a and b as well as the zeroes of the given
polynomial.

Solution:

Let 𝑝(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 6𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 10
Given that a, (a+b) and (a+2b) are the zeroes of p(x). Then,
(𝑐𝑜𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑥 2 )
Sum of the zeroes=−
(𝑐𝑜𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑥 3 )
(−6)
𝑎 + (𝑎 + 𝑏) + (𝑎 + 2𝑏) = −
1

⇒ 3𝑎 + 3𝑏 = 6, 𝑎 + 𝑏 = 2 …(i)
𝑐𝑜𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑥
Sum of product of zeroes taken at a time = ( )
𝑐𝑜𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑥 3
3
⇒ 𝑎(𝑎 + 𝑏) + (𝑎 + 𝑏)(𝑎 + 2𝑏) + 𝑎(𝑎 + 2𝑏) =
1

⇒2a+ 2(2 + b) + a(2+b) = 3 [Using (i)]

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 CHAPTER 2
POLYNOMIALS
⇒ 2𝑎 + 2(2 + 2 − 𝑎) + 𝑎(2 + 2 − 𝑎) = 3
⇒ 2𝑎 + 8 − 2𝑎 + 4𝑎 − 𝑎2 = 3
⇒ −𝑎2 + 4𝑎 + 5 = 0
𝑎2 − 4𝑎 − 5 = 0
Using factorization method,
𝑎2 − 5𝑎 + 𝑎 − 5 = 0
⇒(a - 5)(a +1)=0
⇒ a = -1,5
When a = -1, then b = 3
When a = 5, then b = -3
Hence for a =-1, b = 3 zeroes of p(x) are
a, (a + b), (a + 2b) i.e. -1, (-1 + 3), (-1 +6) or -1, 2, 5
When a = 5 and b = -3, then zeroes of p(x) are a, (a + b), (a + 2b)
i.e, 5, (5- 3), (5- 6) or 5, 2, -1
So, the required values are a = -1, b = 3 or a = 5, b = -3 and the zeroes
of p(x) are -1, 2 and 5.

37
 CHAPTER 2
POLYNOMIALS
Example 6: Find k so that 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 𝑘 is a factor of 2𝑥 4 + 𝑥 3 − 14𝑥 2 +
5𝑥 + 6. Also, find all the zeroes of the two polynomials.

Solution:

using division algorithm, we get

2𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + (−8 − 2𝑘)

𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 𝑘 )2𝑥 4 + 𝑥 3 − 14𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 + 6

2𝑥 4 + 4𝑥 3 + 2𝑘𝑥 2

(−) (−) (−)

−3𝑥 3 − (2𝑘 + 14)𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 + 6

−3𝑥 3 − 6𝑥 2 − 3𝑘𝑥

(+) (+) (+)

(−8 − 2𝑘)𝑥 2 + (3𝑘 + 5)𝑥 + 6

(−8 − 2𝑘)𝑥 2 + 2(−8 − 2𝑘)𝑥 + 𝑘(−8 − 2𝑘)

(−) (−) (−)

(7𝑘 + 21)𝑥 + (6 + 8𝑘 + 2𝑘 2 )

Since. (𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 𝑘) is a factor of 2𝑥 4 + 𝑥 3 − 14𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 + 6. So,

remainder should be zero?
⇒(7𝑘 + 21 )𝑥 + (2𝑘 2 + 8𝑘 + 6) = 0
⇒ 7𝑘 + 21 = 0 and 2𝑘 2 + 8𝑘 + 6 = 0
⇒ 𝑘 = −3 𝑜𝑟 𝑘 2 + 4𝑘 + 3 = 0
⇒ 𝑘 2 + 3𝑘 + 𝑘 + 3 = 0
⇒(k + 1)(k + 3) = 0

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 CHAPTER 2
POLYNOMIALS
⇒k = -1 or -3
For k = -3, remainder is zero.
∴ The required value of k = -3.
Also, dividend = divisor × quotient + remainder
⇒ 2𝑥 4 + 𝑥 3 − 14𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 + 6 = (𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 3)(2𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 − 2)
= (𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 𝑥 − 3)(2𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 − 𝑥 − 2)
= (𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 2)(2𝑥 + 1)
Hence, the zeroes of 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 3 are 1, -3 and the zeroes of 2𝑥 2 −
1
3𝑥 − 2 are 2,−
2
1
Thus, the zeroes of 2𝑥 4 + 𝑥 3 − 14𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 +6 are 1,-3, 2, −
2
1
Example 7: Verify that 3, -1, − are the zeroes of the cubic
3

polynomial p(x)= 3𝑥 3 − 5𝑥 2 − 11𝑥 − 3, and then verify the

relationship between the zeroes and the coefficients.
Solution:

Comparing the given polynomial with 𝑎𝑥 3 + 𝑏𝑥 2 + 𝑐𝑥 + 𝑑, we get

a=3, b=-5, c=-11, d=-3. Further 𝑝(3) = 3 × 33 − (5 × 32 ) − (11 × 3) − 3 =
81 − 45 − 33 − 3 = 0, 𝑝(−1) = 3 × (−1)3 − 5 × (−1)3 − 11 × (−1) − 3 =
−3 − 5 + 11 − 3 = 0

1 1 3 1 2 1
𝑝 (− ) = 3 × (− ) − 5 × (− ) − 11 × (− ) − 3
3 3 3 3
1 5 11 2 2
=− − + −3 =− + =0
9 9 3 3 3
1
Therefore,3, -1 and− are zeroes of 3𝑥 3 − 5𝑥 2 − 11𝑥 − 3
3
1
So, we take 𝛼 = 3, 𝛽 = −1 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝛾 = −
3

Now,
1 1 5 −(−5) −𝑏
𝛼 + 𝛽 + 𝛾 = 3 + (−1) + (− ) = 2 − = = =
3 3 3 3 𝑎

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 CHAPTER 2
POLYNOMIALS
1 1 1 −11
𝛼𝛽 + 𝛽𝛾 + 𝛾𝛼 = 3 × (−1) + (−1) × (− ) + (− ) × 3 = −3 + − 1 =
3 3 3 3
𝑐
=
𝑎
1 −(−3) −𝑑
𝛼𝛽𝛾 = 3 × (−1) × (− ) = 1 = =
3 3 𝑎
Example 8: Find a quadratic polynomial, the sum and product of
whose zeroes are -3 and 2, respectively.

Solution:
Let the quadratic polynomial be 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐, and its zeroes be 𝛼
and 𝛽.
We have
−𝑏
𝛼 + 𝛽 = −3 =
𝑎
𝑐
And 𝛼𝛽 = 2 =
𝑎

If a=1, then b=3 and c=2.

So, one quadratic polynomial which fits the given conditions is 𝑥 2 +
3𝑥 + 2.

40
 CHAPTER 2
POLYNOMIALS

Multiple Choice Type (Each carries one mark)

1. If the polynomial is given by f(x) = 4x4-3x2+5x-1 then value of

𝑓(1)+𝑓(−1)
is
𝑓(0)

(a) 0 (b) 1 (c) –1 (d) 2

2. Real zeroes of any polynomial in variable x are those points at

which graph of polynomial intersects
(a) x-axis (b) y-axis

(c) Both (1) and (2) (d) none

3. If one root of the polynomial f(x)=6x2-8x+3k is reciprocal of the

other then value of k equals to
(a)1 (b) 2 (c) -1 (d) -2

4. If k is any non-zero constant and a,b are the zeroes of the

1
polynomial x2+2x+3, then the polynomial whose zeroes are
𝑎
1
and is:
𝑏
2 1 2 1
(a) k[𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + ] (b) k[𝑥 2 + 𝑥 + ]
3 3 3 3

2 1 2 1
(c) k[𝑥 2 − 𝑥 − ] (d) k[𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − ]
3 3 3 3

5. If (x + a) is a factor of 2x2 + 2ax -5x + 15 then a equals to

(a) 2 (b)-2 (c) 3 (d) -3

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 CHAPTER 2
POLYNOMIALS
6. The sum and product of zeros of the quadratic polynomial are –
5 and 3 respectively the quadratic polynomial is equal to –
2 2
(a) x +2x+3 (b) x –5x+3

2 2
(c) x +5x+3 (d) x +3x–5
2
7. Let p(x) = ax + bx + c be a quadratic polynomial. It can have at
most
(a) One zero (b) Two zeros
(c) Three zeros (d) None of these
2
8. If 𝛼 and 𝛽 are zeros of the polynomial f(x) = 6x – 3 – 7x then (𝛼 +

1) ( 𝛽+ 1) is equal to –
(a) 5/3 (b) -5/3 (c) 3/5 (d) -3/5
4 3 2
9. If 3 is one of zeroes of the polynomial f(x) = x – x – 8x + kx +12

,then the value of k is–

(a) –2 (b) 3 (c) –3 (d) 2

Short Answer Type (Each carries two or three marks)

10. Find the zeroes of the quadratic polynomial and verify the
relationship between the zeroes and coefficient of polynomial
p(x) = x2 + 7x + 12
11. Using division algorithm find the quotient and remainder when
p(x) is divided by g(x) as given below p(x) = x4 – 3x2 + 4x + 5, g(x) =
x2 + 1 – x
12. Find the zeroes of the quadratic polynomial 6x2 − 13x + 6 and
verify the relation between the zeroes and its coefficients.
13. Find the zeroes of polynomial 4x2 − 9 and verify the relation
between the zeroes and its coefficients.

42
 CHAPTER 2
POLYNOMIALS
14. Find the zeroes of the quadratic polynomial x2 + 4x – 21 and verify
a relationship between zeroes and its coefficients.

Long Answer Type (Each carries four marks)

15. Verify that the number given along sides of the cubic
polynomials are its zeroes. Also verify the relation between
zeroes and coefficients, x3 + 2x2 − x − 2; 1, −1, −2
16. Verify that the number given along the sides of the cubic
polynomials are their zeroes. Also, verify the relationship
between the zeroes and the coefficients. x3 − 4x2 + 5x − 2; 2, 1, 1
17. Verify that the number given alongside the cubic polynomials
are their zeroes. Also, verify the relationship between the zeroes
1
and the coefficients. 2𝑥 3   +   𝑥 2   −  5𝑥  +  2;  ,  1, −2
2

18. Verify that the numbers given along sides of the cubic
polynomial are their zeroes. Also, verify the relationship
between the zeroes and the coefficients; x3 − 27x + 54; −6, 3, 3
19. Obtain all the zeroes of x3 − 7x + 6 if one of its zeroes is 1.
20. If √2 and -√2 are two roots of polynomial f(x)=2x4-3x3-3x2+6x-2
then find the other roots.
21. If the polynomial x4-6x3+16x2-25x+10 is divided by another
polynomial x2-2x+k, the remainder comes out to be x+a, then
find value of k and a.
22. Find all the zeroes of the polynomial x3-4x2+x+6=0.

43
 CHAPTER 2
POLYNOMIALS

Multiple choice type (Each carries one mark)

1. If a, b and c are roots of the polynomial f(x)=x3-3x2+2x-3 then

1 1 1
value of (a + b + c) ( + + ) equals to
𝑎 𝑏 𝑐

(a)4 (b) 3 (c) 2 (d) 1

2. Let p(x) be any polynomial. When it is divided by (x-2) and (x-3),

then the remainders are 3 and 2 respectively. The remainder
when p(x) is divided by (x2-5x+6) is
(a)-x+5 (b) x-5 (c) x+5 (d) -x-5

3. If α and β are zeroes of the quadratic polynomial x2 – 6x + a;’ if 2α

+ 3β = 20 then the value of ‘a’ equals to
(a)12. (b) -12. (c) 16. (d) -16

𝛼2
4. If 𝛼 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝛽 are roots of the polynomial 2x2-3x+2 then value of +
𝛽

𝛽2
equals to
𝛼
27 9 9 3
(a) (b) - (c) - (d)
8 8 2 2

5. If the zeroes of the polynomial x3-3x2-6x+8 are a-b, a, a+b then

the values of a and b are
(a) 1 and ±2 (b) -1 and ±2

(c) 1 and ±3 (d) -1 and ±3

44
 CHAPTER 2
POLYNOMIALS
2 3
6. If the polynomial 3x – x – 3x + 5 is divided by another
2
polynomial x – 1 – x , the remainder comes out to be 3, then
quotient polynomial is –
(a) 2–x (b) 2x–1 (c) 3x+4 (d) x–2
4 3 2
7. For what value of p is the polynomial 2x –px +4x +2x+1 is

divisible by 1–2x?
(a) p = 25 (b) p = 24 (c) p = 23 (d) p = 22

8. If the parabola f(x) = px2 + qx + r passes through the points (–1,

12), (0, 5)and (2, –3), the value of p + q + r is –
(a) – 4 (b) – 2 (c) Zero (d) 1

9. If a, b and c are zeroes of x3 -3x2 -10x +24 = 0, then value of a2 + b2

+ c2 is:
(a) 25 (b) 27 (c) 29 (d) 31
3 2
10. If 𝛼, 𝛽 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝛾 are zeros of the polynomial f(x)=x + px – pqrx + r,
1 1 1
then value of + + is
𝛼𝛽 𝛽𝛾 𝛾𝛼

(a) r/p (b) p/r (c) –p/r (d) –r/p

11. If 𝛼 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝛽 are zeroes of polynomial f(x) = x2 + x + 1, then value of 𝛼4

+ 𝛽4 is:
(a) – 1 (b) 1 (c) 2 (d) -2
12. If zeroes of the polynomial f(x) = x2 – bx + a are two consecutive
odd integers, then b2 – 4a is:
(a) -5 (b) 6 (c) 2 (d) 4

45
 CHAPTER 2
POLYNOMIALS
13. Coordinates of vertex of parabola y = 4x2 + 8x + 1 is
(a) (−1, −3) (b) (−1, 3) (c) (1, −3) (d) (1, 3)

14. The value of a for which sum of squares of zeroes of polynomial

f(x) = x2 – (a – 2) x – a – 1 assumes the least value is

(a) 0 (b) 1 (c) 2 (d) 3

15. Value of x for which polynomial f(x) = -3x2 + 12x + 2 obtains its
minimum value is:
(a) -2 (b) 2 (c) -14 (d) 14

16. Minimum value of expression 2x2 + 8x + 3 is:

(a) 2 (b) -2 (c) 5 (d) -5

17. The y-coordinate of the vertex of a parabola that opens down is

called the
(a) Maximum value (b) Minimum value

(c) Exponential value (d) Quadratic value

18. The y-coordinate of the vertex of a parabola that opens up is

called the
(a) Maximum value (b) Minimum value

(c) Exponential value (d) Quadratic value

1
19. Minimum value of expression (x2 – 2) is
2
(a) 1 (b) -1
(c) 0 (d) None of these

46
 CHAPTER 2
POLYNOMIALS
20. If  and 𝛽 are the zeros of the quadratic polynomial 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑘𝑥 2 +
4𝑥 + 4 such that 𝛼 2 + 𝛽 2 = 24, find the values of k.
21. If 𝛼, 𝛽 are the zeros of the polynomial 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 + 𝑘 satisfying
21
the relation𝛼 2 + 𝛽 2 + 𝛼𝛽 = , then find the value of k for this to be
4

possible.
22. If sum of the squares of zeros of the quadratic polynomial 𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑥 2 − 8𝑥 + 𝑘 is 40, find the value of k.
23. If the sum of the zeros of the quadratic polynomial 𝑓(𝑡) = 𝑘𝑡 2 +
2𝑡 + 3𝑘 is equal to their product, find the value of k.
24. If one zero of the quadratic polynomial 𝑓(𝑥) = 4𝑥 2 − 8𝑘𝑥 − 9 is
negative of the other, find the value of k.
25. What must be subtracted from 8𝑥 4 + 14𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 + 7𝑥 + 8 so that
the resulting polynomial is exactly divisible by4𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 2.
26. Find the values of a and b, so that 𝑥 4 + 𝑥 3 + 8𝑥 2 + 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏 is divisible
by 𝑥 2 + 1
27. What must be added to 𝑓(𝑥) = 4𝑥 4 + 2𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 1 so that the
resulting polynomial is divisible by 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 3.
28. Find the condition which must be satisfied by the coefficients of
the polynomial 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 𝑝𝑥 2 + 𝑞𝑥 − 𝑟 when the sum of its two
zeros is zero.
29. Find the condition that the zeros of the polynomial 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 −
𝑝𝑥 2 + 𝑞𝑥 − 𝑟 may be in arithmetic progression.
30. Find the zeros of the polynomial. l𝑓 (𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 5𝑥 2 − 16𝑥 + 80, if its
two zeros are equal in magnitude but opposite in sign.

47
 CHAPTER 2
POLYNOMIALS
Crossword

Across Down
4. A set of instruction to solve a particular 1. Shape of the graph of a quadratic
type of problem polynomial
6. Polynomial of power 2 2. Multiplicative Inverse
7. Highest power of a polynomial 3. The expression that remains after
9. An equation that is true for all values of the dividing.
variable 5. The constants for which the value of
10. An expression with only constants and polynomial becomes zero.
whole number power of variables 8. Related to a line

Solutions

Checkpoint 1:

1. (1), (2) and (4)

48
 CHAPTER 2
POLYNOMIALS
Checkpoint 3:
1.a 1.b 1.c 1.d 2.a 2.b

6 0 Not defined 2 -11 4

2.c 3 4 5

– 4 - √3 5 11 1

Checkpoint 4:

1. 2 2. a = - 3, b = 2

Checkpoint 5:

1 2 3 4 5 6

0 1 3 2 4 3

3. k = 4/3 4. Parabola

Checkpoint 6:

1 2, -3/2

2 Sum = -2,
product = -4/3

3 k[x2 + 2x – 15]

4 (a) 9/4 (b) – 2

(c) – 1

49
 CHAPTER 2
POLYNOMIALS
Checkpoint 7:

1. K[x3 - 19x + 30 ]
2. a/c

3. a = 1, b =  2

Checkpoint 8:

1. (1) 2. (4) 3. p = - 1, q = 0 4. a = 2

5 k[x2 + 3x + 2]

6 4, 3, - 2

7 𝑘 [𝑥 3 − 4𝑥 2 + 𝑥 + 6]

8 k[x2 – 2x – 4]

9 m = 9, k = 5

10 a = 5/2

11 7

13 a = 5, b = - 3 or a = - 1, b = 3

Checkpoint 9:
1. Quotient = 0, remainder : 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐
2. 6𝑥 2 − 7𝑥 − 5
3. 𝑘 = −10 , 𝑧𝑒𝑟𝑜𝑒𝑠 ∶ 1,2
4. a = -1 , b= -2
5. 7, -5
6. 𝑄𝑢𝑜𝑡𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 ∶ 2𝑥 2 + 5 , 𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟 ∶ 𝑥 + 2
7. Answer : greater number is 731 and smaller number is 89.

8. Find the numbers.

9. -3 , 2
11. a=- 61 , b = 67

50
 CHAPTER 2
POLYNOMIALS
Checkpoint 10:

1. 5 2. 5/6 3. (- 1, - 1)

Novice level

Multiple choice type

1 2 3 4 5 6

a A b b d c

7 8 9

b A d

10. -2 & -5 11. quotient : 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 3 ; remainder : 8

12. 3/2 & 2/3 13. 3/2
14. -7 & 3

Long answer type

19. 1, 2, -3 20. 1/2, 1 21. k=5,a=−5 22. -1, 2, 3

51
 CHAPTER 2
POLYNOMIALS

Advanced level

1 2 3 4 5 6

c A d b c d

7 8 9 10 11 12

a C c b a d

13 14 15 16 17 18

a B b d a b

19 20 21 22 23 24

b k = -1, 2/3 K+2 K+12 k = -2/3 k=0

25 26 27 28 29 30

6x + 2 a=1 , b=7 61x−65 pq=r 2𝑝3 4, -4, 5

− 9𝑝𝑞
+ 27𝑟
=0

52
CHAPTER 2
POLYNOMIALS

Crossword

Across Down

4. Algorithm 1. Parabola

6. Quadratic 2. Reciprocal

7. Degree 3. Remainder

9. Identity 5. Zeroes

10. Polynomial 8. Linear

END

53