4.6 Rational and nonreal zeros
Unit 4 · Polynomials and polynomial functions
Ideas in this lesson
Rational root candidates
In a reduced rational root p/q, p divides the constant and q divides the leading coefficient. A candidate still needs testing.
Recover remaining zeros
Divide out a known linear factor, then solve the remaining quadratic.
Count real and nonreal zeros
A degree-n polynomial has n complex zeros counting multiplicity. Nonreal zeros of a real-coefficient polynomial occur in conjugate pairs.
Original MathLab worked examples and fresh practice. Free with an account.