Polynomials, roots and the factor theorem
Polynomials, roots and the factor theorem
A polynomial in xxx is an expression built from powers of xxx, such as 3x3−2x+53x^3-2x+53x3−2x+5. A root is a value of xxx that makes the polynomial 0, and a factor is an expression that divides it exactly.
Step-by-step lessons on Edexcel AS Level Maths Algebraic Methods, covering 7.1 Algebraic Fractions, 7.2 Dividing Polynomials, 7.3 The Factor Theorem, 7.4 Mathematical Proof, and 7.5 Methods of Proof. Each one builds up to exam-style questions. Build fluency in the core algebra, surds and trigonometry topics early, since they underpin the calculus, statistics and mechanics content that follows.