Lesson 9: Rational

Root Theorem
Review:
Lesson Objectives:
❖ Illustrates polynomial equations.
❖ Proves Rational Root Theorem
 RATIONAL ZERO
THEOREM
Given a polynomial function defined by

 
  FIND THE ROOTS OF THE POLYNOMIAL

STEP 1: LIST ALL THE FACTORS OF THE CONSTANT AND THE

COEFFICIENT OF THE LEADING TERM
3
Q
 
𝑥 − 3 x +2 P
1.1 2.1
-2,-1 -2,-1

 WRITETHEM AS A RATIONAL EQUATION , THEN, DIVIDE

STEP 2: THEM TO GET THE POSSIBLE ROOTS

 
 STEP 3: TEST ALL THE FACTORS USING REMAINDER
THEOREM IF IT HAS NO REMAINDER
 𝑃 ( 1 )= ( 1 )3 − 3 ( 1 ) +2  𝑃 ( 2 )=( 2 )3 − 3 ( 2 ) +2
𝑃 ( 1 )=1 −3+2
 
𝑃 ( 2 )=8 − 6+2
 

 𝑃 ( 1 ) =0
𝑃 ( 2 )=4
 

 𝑃 ( − 1 ) = ( − 1 ) 3 − 3 ( − 1 ) +2
 𝑃 ( − 2 ) =( − 2 )3 − 3 ( − 2 ) +2
 𝑃 ( −1 )= −1+3+2
 𝑃 ( −1 ) =4
𝑃 ( −2 ) =−8+6+ 2
 

𝑃 ( −2 ) =0
 
  
FIND ALL THE ROOTS OF THE POLYNOMIAL

STEP 1: LIST ALL THE FACTORS OF THE CONSTANT AND THE

COEFFICIENT OF THE LEADING TERM
Q   P

1.1 1.-8
-1.-1 -1.8
2,-4
-4,2
 WRITETHEM AS A RATIONAL EQUATION , THEN, DIVIDE
THEM TO GET THE POSSIBLE ROOTS
STEP 2:
 ±1 , ±2 , ± 4 ,± 8
 
±1
STEP 3: TEST ALL THE FACTORS USING REMAINDER
THEOREM IF IT HAS NO REMAINDER
Use the Rational Root Theorem to identify all of the possible
rational roots of P(x) = 2x3 − 15x2 +27x − 10.

 
SOLUTION:
 ACTIVITY
1: CONSIDER THE POLYNOMIAL . APPLY THE
RATIONAL ROOT THEOREM TO IDENTIFY THE POSSIBLE
ROOTS OF P(X).