Working With Polynomials
The zero of a polynomial is the value of x that makes the polynomial equal to zero.
Example: Finding the Zero of a Linear Polynomial
Consider the linear polynomial: p(x) = 2x + 5
To find its zero, we solve for x when p(x) = 0: 2x + 5 = 0
2x =
x =
Thus, the zero of p(x) = 2x + 5 is x =
General Formula for the Zero of a Linear Polynomial
A linear polynomial is of the form: p(x) = ax + b, where a ≠ 0
Setting p(x) = 0 to find the zero: ax + b = 0
Solving for x: x =
Thus, the zero of a linear polynomial ax + b is given by: x =
where:
- a is the coefficient of
. - b is the
term.