Solving Polynomials Equations of Higher Degree

Solving Polynomials Equations of Higher Degree

Solving Polynomials Equations of Higher Degree 1

When the powers in polynomial equations increase, it becomes more difficult to find their solutions (roots).

Consider an equation such as

Solving Polynomials Equations of Higher Degree 2

Finding the roots of an equation such as this can prove to be quite a task. In this course, we will just be touching the surface on techniques for solving higher degree polynomial equations.

Let’s be sure that we understand the vocabulary associated with this type of task.

The following statements are different ways of
asking the same thing!!

  • Solve the polynomial equation P(x) = 0.
  • Find the roots of the polynomial equation P(x) = 0.
  • Find the zeroes of the polynomial function P(x) (P(x) = 0).
  • Factor the polynomial function P(x) = 0 and express the roots.

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How many roots should we expect to find? A polynomial of degree n will have n roots, some of which may be multiple roots (they repeat). For example,
Solving Polynomials Equations of Higher Degree 3

is a polynomial of degree 3 (highest power) and as such will have 3 roots. This equation is really (x-1)(x-4)(x-4) = 0 giving solutions of x = 1 and x = 4 (repeated).

Examples:

Solving Polynomials Equations of Higher Degree 4
Solving Polynomials Equations of Higher Degree 5
Solving Polynomials Equations of Higher Degree 6

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