Polynomial and Rational Functions

Front

What is synthetic division?

Back

A method used to divide a polynomial by a binomial of the form (x - c) using coefficients.

Front

What is the first step in synthetic division?

Back

Write the coefficients of the polynomial in a row.

Front

How do you factor by grouping?

Back

Group terms in pairs and factor out the common factor from each pair.

Front

What is the result of (2x³ - 5x - 7) ÷ (x - 2)?

Back

2x² + 4x + 3 - 1/(x-2)

Front

How do you factor the trinomial x² - 8x + 15?

Back

(x - 5)(x - 3) by finding two numbers that multiply to 15 and add to -8.

Front

What is the square root of 36n⁴?

Back

6n², since √(a²) = a.

Front

What is a polynomial function?

Back

A function that can be expressed in the form f(x) = a_nx^n + a_(n-1)x^(n-1) + ... + a_1x + a_0, where a_n are constants.

Front

What is a rational function?

Back

A function that can be expressed as the ratio of two polynomials, f(x) = P(x)/Q(x), where Q(x) ≠ 0.

Front

What is the degree of a polynomial?

Back

The highest power of the variable in the polynomial.

Front

What does it mean to factor a polynomial?

Back

To express the polynomial as a product of its factors.