(b) Zero of the Linear Equation in One Variable

Example 5

Find a zero of the polynomial p(x) = 2x + 1.

Instructions

Finding a zero of p(x), is the same as solving the equation p(x) = 0

Now, 2x + 1 = 0 gives us x =

So, −12 is a zero of the polynomial 2x + 1.

Now, if p(x) = ax + b, a ≠ 0, is a linear polynomial, how can we find a zero of p(x)? Finding a zero of the polynomial p(x), amounts to solving the polynomial equation p(x) = 0.

Now, p(x) = 0 means ax + b = 0, a ≠ 0

So, ax = –b i.e., x =

So, x = −ba is the only zero of p(x), i.e., a linear polynomial has one and only one zero.

Now: We can say that 1 is the zero of x – 1, and –2 is the zero of x + 2.

Polynomials and Factorisation

Glossary

(b) Zero of the Linear Equation in One Variable

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Polynomials and Factorisation

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Glossary

(b) Zero of the Linear Equation in One Variable