Polynomials

• Graphic Interpretation of the number of Zeros of a Polynomial

The zero of a polynomial, , (if it exists) is the x-coordinate of the point where the graph of y = p(x) intersects the x-axis.

 

Example 1:

 

In the above graph, the graph intersects the x-axis at only one point.
 

The number of zeroes of the corresponding polynomial is 1.

 

Example 2:

 

In the above graph, the graph intersects the x-axis at exactly two points.

The number of zeroes of the corresponding polynomial is 2.

Ex…