📐 Introduction to Polynomials

Master the fundamentals: Definition, Types, Values & Zeroes

💡 Did you know? The word "polynomial" comes from Greek: "poly" meaning "many" and "nomial" meaning "terms". Polynomials are one of the most important concepts in algebra!
Welcome! Choose a section to begin your journey into the world of polynomials.

🧪 Polynomial Calculator Lab

Polynomial:
p(x) = x² - 3x - 4
Result:
p(2) = -6

❓ Test Your Knowledge

📐 Linear Polynomial
Degree 1
p(x) = ax + b
where a ≠ 0
Examples:
• 2x - 3
• √3x + 5
• y + √2
✓ Graph: Straight line
✓ Exactly 1 zero: x = -b/a
📊 Quadratic Polynomial
Degree 2
p(x) = ax² + bx + c
where a ≠ 0
Examples:
• x² - 3x - 4
• 2y² + 5y - 2
• z² - 3
✓ Graph: Parabola (U shape)
✓ Maximum 2 zeroes
📈 Cubic Polynomial
Degree 3
p(x) = ax³ + bx² + cx + d
where a ≠ 0
Examples:
• x³ - 4x
• 2x³ - 5x² - 14x + 8
• x³
✓ Graph: S-shaped curve
✓ Maximum 3 zeroes
⭐ Key Formulas
Zero of Linear: x = -b/a
Zero = -(Constant term) / (Coefficient of x)
Remember:
A zero k of p(x) means p(k) = 0

A polynomial of degree n has
at most n zeroes