Chapter 3: Polynomial and Rational

Functions
Chapter Practice Questions

Learning Objective 3.4.1: [Apply the Rational Zero Theorem]

1. Multiple Choice Question: What is the rational zero theorem?

A. A theorem that states that any polynomial equation can be solved using rational
numbers.
B. A theorem that states that the roots of a polynomial equation are always
rational numbers.
C. A theorem that states that provides a method for finding possible roots of a
polynomial equation.
D. A theorem that states that the denominator of a rational number cannot be
zero.
Correct Answer: C
Bloom’s Level: Remember
A-head: Zeros of Polynomials
Answer Explanation: The rational zero theorem provides a method for finding possible rational
roots of a polynomial equation. It states that if a polynomial has integer coefficients, then any
rational root of the polynomial must have a numerator that is a factor of the constant term and a
denominator that is a factor of the leading coefficient.

2. Multiple Select Question: Which values are possible rational zeros of the polynomial equation
?
A.
B.

C.

D.
Correct Answer: A, C, D
Bloom’s Level: Understand
A-head: Zeros of Polynomials
Answer Explanation: To find possible rational roots of the polynomial equation
, It is necessary to find all possible values of that satisfy the rational zero
theorem. The constant term is , which has factors of , , and , . The leading coefficient
 is , which has factors of , . The rational zero theorem states that if a polynomial has integer
coefficients, then any rational root of the polynomial must have a numerator that is a factor of the
constant term and a denominator that is a factor of the leading coefficient. Therefore, The

possible rational zeros are , , and .

Learning Objective 3.4.2: [Apply the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra]

1. Multiple Choice Question: What is the equation of a third-degree polynomial with integer

coefficients and with zeros of and ?

A. .
B. .
C. .
D. .
Correct Answer: A
Bloom’s Level: Understand
A-head: Zeros of Polynomials

Answer Explanation: is to be a polynomial with integer coefficients. If is a zero, then

must also be zero. By the linear factorization theorem,

Thus,
 To give an integer coefficient, choose to be any multiple of . Thus, choose .
Then,

Hence, .

2. Multiple Choice Question: What is the minimum degree of polynomial with real coefficients that
has a root of ?
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
Correct Answer: B
Bloom’s Level: Analyze
A-head: Zeros of Polynomials
Answer Explanation: If a polynomial has a complex root, then its complex conjugate must also be a
root. Therefore, a polynomial with a root of must also have a root of . Since these are
two distinct roots, the minimum degree of the polynomial must be .

Learning Objective 3.4.3: [Apply Descartes’ Rule of Signs]

1. Multiple Choice Question: What is the Descartes’ Rule of Sign?

A. It is a method to find the zeros of a polynomial function.
B. It is a method to find the degree of a polynomial function.
C. It is a method to find the zeros of a polynomial function.
D. It is a method to determine the number of positive or negative real zeros of a
polynomial function.
Correct Answer: D
Bloom’s Level: Analyze
A-head: Zeros of Polynomials
Answer Explanation: Descartes’ Rule of Sign is a method to determine the number of positive or
negative real zeros of a polynomial function.
 2. Multiple Choice Question: How many will be the negative real zeros of a polynomial

?
A. 0
B. 1
C. 2
D. 3
Correct Answer: A
Bloom’s Level: Understand
A-head: Zeros of Polynomials
Answer Explanation: To determine the number of possible negative real zeros, determine the

number of sign changes in .

There are no sign changes in . Hence, has no negative real zeros.

Learning Objective 3.4.4: [Find Upper and Lower Bounds]

1. Multiple Choice Question: What is the lower bound of real zeros of a polynomial?
A. It is the highest degree of the polynomial.
B. It is the lowest degree of the polynomial.
C. It is the highest possible value that a real zero of the polynomial can take.
D. It is the lowest possible value that a real zero of the polynomial can take.
Correct Answer: D
Bloom’s Level: Remember
A-head: Zeros of Polynomials
Answer Explanation: According to the upper bound theorem, the highest possible value that a real
zero of a polynomial can take is given by dividing the negative of the absolute value of the
coefficient of the term with the highest power of by the absolute value of the leading
coefficient of the polynomial.

2. Multiple Choice Question: What is the upper bound of real zeros of the polynomial of degree
that has a leading coefficient of and a constant term of ?
A.
B.
C.
D. 4
Correct Answer: B
Bloom’s Level: Understand
A-head: Zeros of Polynomials
Answer Explanation: The upper bound of real zeros of the polynomial is given by dividing the
absolute value of the constant term of the polynomial by the absolute value of the leading

coefficient of the polynomial. Thus, the upper bound of the real zeros of the polynomial is
equal to 2.