Engineering Algebra Course Overview
Engineering Algebra Course Overview
2020
ENGINEERING
ALGEBRA
MODULE 2
2020
Engineering Algebra
VISION
A provide of relevant and quality education to a
society where citizens are competent, skilled,
dignified and community- oriented.
MISSION
An academic institution providing technological,
professional, research and extension programs to
form principled men and women of competencies
and skills responsive to local and global
development needs.
QUALITY POLICY
Northwest Samar State University commits to
provide quality outcomes-based education,
research, extension and production through
continual improvement of all its programs, thereby
producing world class professionals.
CORE VALUES
Resilience. Integrity. Service. Excellence.
Table of Contents
Key Terms
Learning Plan
Let’s Get Started
3
Lesson 1: Solution of Linear & Quadratic Equation
Activity
Lesson 2: Partial Fraction 9
Activity
References 12
MODULE 4: APPLICATIONS
Module Description 1
Purpose of the Module
Module Guide
Module Outcomes
Module Requirements
Module Pre-Test
Let’s Get Started 2
Lesson 1: Word Problems
Activity
7
Lesson 2: Sequence & Series
Activity
Lesson 3: Solution of Linear System Using Matrices 12
Activity
Module Post-Test 16
References 17
Engineering Algebra
OVERVIEW
Course Code: B1
Course Description: This course is designed to emphasize the study of algebraic equations
and inequalities, absolute value, polynomial, rational, exponential and
logarithmic functions, conic sections, systems of equations and
inequalities, roots theorems, problem solving & matrices. Additional
topics may include sequences and series.
Course Outcomes: After completing this course, the student shall be able to perform
mathematical operations on polynomial expressions. And students will
be expected to demonstrate skills in solving problems that will be
valuable not only in this course but in future engineering and technical
applications.
Engineering Algebra
Course Content:
References:
1. College Algebra by Aufmann, 2012
2. College Algebra by Bautista, 2012
3. Algebra for College Students by Dugopolski, 2012
4. College Algebra (Customized) by Gustafson & Stewart, 2014
5. College Algebra (Customized) by Larson, 2013
Module 2
Module Title:
Polynomials, Rational and Roots Theorem
Module Description:
This module covers the concepts of special products, division, factors of polynomials,
rational and conjugate roots theorem. Techniques, rules and methods of solving will be
introduce also in this module, So that they may apply their knowledge in solving problems in
real life.
Module Guide:
1. Access Module 2 and answer what is needed.
2. Read and understand the topics.
3. Pre-Test & Post-Test shall be provided by the instructor
4. Instruction Requirements for submission:
Submit your solutions and answers required in this module as per instruction by
the instructor. It should be handwritten in a clean short bond paper without
erasure. Indicate your Name, Course, Program, and Year in the upper left side
of your paper then Date and Activity No. on the upper right side of your paper.
Module Outcomes:
At the end of this module, students shall be able to identify special products and division
of polynomials, learn how to factor out different types of polynomials, able to solve problems
involving polynomials, and apply these concepts into real-life situation in solving problems.
Module Requirements:
At the end of this module, the students shall submit a compilation of the solutions of all
the activities indicated in each lesson a week after the end of this module. It should be
handwritten, and placed in a short bond paper. Submitted through online shall be in picture or
in pdf form.
Module Pre-test:
1. Find the missing term: (2x - ____)(x + ____) = 2x2 + 9x – 35.
2. Give the factor of the product x2 + 3x + 10
3. Find the other factor of 3y2 – 23y -36 if one of the factor is (y-9)
4. Distinguish the given mathematical statement (3x2 + 4) = 9x2 + 16 whether true or
false.
−𝑏 ±√(𝑏)2 −4𝑎𝑐
5. Identify the equation 2𝑎
Key Terms:
Learning Objectives
(Special Products)
1. To understand the concept of special products, which are the products of certain
algebraic expressions that occur frequently and have special properties.
2. To learn the formulas for special products, such as the square of a binomial, the
difference of two squares, and the product of a sum and a difference.
3. To be able to apply these formulas to simplify and solve algebraic expressions and
equations.
4. To develop problem-solving skills by identifying situations where special product
formulas can be used to simplify expressions and solve problems.
(Factoring)
1. To understand the concept of factoring, which involves finding the factors of algebraic
expressions and writing them as products of simpler expressions.
2. To learn the techniques for factoring different types of expressions, such as
polynomials, quadratic equations, and higher-order equations.
3. To be able to use these techniques to simplify and solve algebraic expressions and
equations.
4. To develop problem-solving skills by identifying situations where factoring can be used
to simplify expressions and solve problems, such as finding the roots of equations,
simplifying complex expressions, and identifying patterns in mathematical sequences.
Overall, the learning objectives for special products and factoring include having a solid
understanding of the fundamental concepts and procedures and applying them to a variety of
problems. Students can build strong problem-solving skills and a deeper comprehension of
algebraic expressions and equations by mastering these concepts and strategies.
Special Products
Special products are algebraic expressions that are frequently encountered in mathematics.
These have unique patterns that can be detected and used to simplify phrases. For example, the
square of a binomial (𝑎 + 𝑏)2 can be expanded to 𝑎2 + 2𝑎𝑏 + 𝑏2 . Factoring is the process of
dividing an algebraic equation into its constituent factors. This is useful for simplifying
statements, solving equations, and finding polynomial roots.
The following are the contents of special products:
1. Square of Binomial
2. Square of Trinomial
3. Sum and Difference of two terms
4. Cube of a Binomial
Square of Binomial
A binomial's square is the sum of the square of the first term, the product of 2 and
both terms, and the square of the last term.
Examples:
1. (3𝑥 + 2𝑦)2 = (3𝑥)2 + (2)(3𝑥 )(2𝑦) + (2𝑦)2 = 9𝑥 2 + 12𝑥𝑦 + 4𝑦 2
2. (𝑥 + 4)2 = (𝑥)2 + (2)(𝑥 )(4) + (4)2 = 𝑥 2 + 8𝑥 + 16
3. (𝑎 − 2𝑏)2 = (𝑎)2 − (2)(𝑎)(2𝑏) + (2𝑏)2 = 𝑎2 − 4𝑎𝑏 + 4𝑏2
4. (2𝑎 − 8)2 = (2𝑎)2 − (2)(2𝑎)(8) + 64 = 4𝑎2 − 32𝑎 + 64
5. (4 − 7𝑏)2 = (4)2 − (2)(4)(7𝑏) + (7𝑏)2 = 16 − 56𝑏 + 49𝑏2
6. (𝑥 + 𝑦)2 = (𝑥)2 + (2)(𝑥 )(𝑦) + (𝑦)2 = 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦 2
7. (2𝑥 − 3𝑦)2 = (2𝑥)2 − (2)(2𝑥 )(3𝑦) + (3𝑦)2 = 4𝑥 2 − 12𝑥𝑦 + 9𝑦 2
8. (4𝑎𝑏 + 𝑥𝑦)2 = (4𝑎𝑏)2 + (2)(4𝑎𝑏)(𝑥𝑦) + (𝑥𝑦)2 = 16𝑎2 𝑏2 + 8𝑎𝑏𝑥𝑦 + 𝑥 2 𝑦 2
9. (2𝑥 2 − 3𝑦 3 )2 = (2𝑥 2 )2 − (2)(2𝑥 2 )(3𝑦 3 ) + (3𝑦 3 )2 = 4𝑥 4 − 12𝑥 2 𝑦 3 + 9𝑦 6
10. (𝑟 − 2𝑠 2 )2 = (𝑟)2 − (2)(𝑟)(2𝑠 2) + (2𝑠 2 )2 = 𝑟 2 − 4𝑟𝑠 2 + 4𝑠 4
Exercises 1:
Square of Trinomial
The sum of two squares is an algebraic statement of the form 𝑎2 + 𝑏2 with 𝑎 and 𝑏
being real values. It is also possible to write it in factored form as (𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏)(𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏). In
contrast, the difference of two squares is an algebraic expression of the form 𝑎2 − 𝑏2 , where
𝑎 and 𝑏 are real values. It is also possible to write it in factored form as (𝑎 + 𝑏)(𝑎 − 𝑏).
These expressions are useful in a variety of disciplines of mathematics, such as algebra, number
theory, and geometry. They can, for example, be used to simplify algebraic expressions or
factorize quadratic equations.
Difference of Two Terms
(𝑎2 + 𝑏2 ) = 𝑎2 − (−1𝑏2 )
= 𝑎2 − 𝑖 2 𝑏 2
= 𝑎2 − (𝑖𝑏)2
= 𝑎2 − (𝑖𝑏)2
= (𝑎 − 𝑖𝑏)(𝑎 + 𝑖𝑏)
= 𝑎2 + 𝑎𝑖𝑏 − 𝑎𝑖𝑏 − 𝑖 2 𝑏2 (where 𝑖 2 = −1)
(𝑎 + 𝑏 ) = 𝑎2 − (−1𝑏2 )
2 2
(𝑎2 + 𝑏2 ) = (𝑎2 + 𝑏2 )
Examples:
3. 𝑦 2 + 8𝑦 + 16 = (𝑦 + 4)2
= (𝑦 + 4)(𝑦 + 4)
Exercises 3:
Simplify the given expressions.
1. (4𝑥 2 − 9𝑦 4 )
2. (𝑎4 + 4𝑏4 )
3. (𝑥 2 − 81𝑦 8 )
4. (16 + 64𝑤 4 )
5. (𝑎4 + 4𝑏4 )
6. [25𝑥 2 − (2𝑦 + 1)2 ]
7. [(𝑎 + 1)2 − 4𝑏2 ]
8. 𝑦 2 + 10𝑦 + 25
9. 𝑟 2 + 4𝑟 + 4
10. 𝑤 2 + 8𝑤 + 16
Cube of a Binomial
The outcome of cubing a binomial expression, which is a polynomial with two terms,
is referred to as the cube of a binomial. The cube of the binomial (𝑎 + 𝑏) is obtained by raising
each term in the binomial to the third power and then adding the resulting terms.
= 𝑎3 + 3𝑎𝑏(𝑎 + 𝑏) + 𝑏3
The distributive property of multiplication and the binomial theorem can be used to generate
this formula.
The resulting expression is a trinomial. The first term is the cube of the binomial's first term,
the final term is the cube of the binomial's second term, and the middle term is the sum of the
products of the first term squared and the second term squared, as well as the first term and the
second term squared.
Examples:
1. (𝑥 + 2𝑦)3 = (𝑥)3 + 3(𝑥)2 (2𝑦) + 3(𝑥 )(2𝑦)2 + (2𝑦)3
= 𝑥 3 + 6𝑥 2 𝑦 + 12𝑥𝑦 2 + 8𝑦 3
In Example 1, the cube of the first term 𝑥 is 𝑥 3 plus 3 multiplied by the square of the first term
multiplied by the square of the second term which is 3𝑥 2 (2𝑦) plus 3 multiplied by the square
of the second term which is 3𝑥(2𝑦)2 plus the cube of the second term which is (2𝑦)3 gives the
result 𝑥 3 +6𝑥 2 𝑦 + 12𝑥𝑦 2 + 8𝑦 3.
Exercises 4:
1. (3𝑎 + 2𝑏)3
2. (4𝑥 + 𝑦)3
3. (5 + 𝑥 )3
4. (2𝑠 − 7𝑟)3
5. (−3𝑥 − 5𝑦)3
6. (3𝑥 2 − 𝑦 2 )3
7. (2𝑥 4 + 4𝑦 4 )3
8. (5𝑎3 + 2𝑏3 )3
9. (7𝑎 + 4𝑏4 )3
10. (𝑥 5 + 2𝑦 3 )3
Factoring
The process of finding two or more simpler expressions whose product equals a given term is
known as factoring. It entails decomposing a complex expression into its constituent
components, which can subsequently be combined in various ways to simplify the original
statement or solve an equation.
Finding the greatest common factor (GCF) of a set of terms and factoring it out is the most
basic sort of factoring. For example, the GCF in the formula 4𝑎2 + 8𝑎 𝑖𝑠 4𝑎, therefore we
can factor it out to get:
4𝑎(𝑎 + 2)
Another method of factoring is to divide a quadratic expression into two binomial components.
For instance, the quadratic formula 𝑎2 + 5𝑎 + 6 can be factored into (𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 + 3) by
finding two numbers with sums of 5 and products of 6.
Examples:
𝑎6 (𝑎)(𝑎)(𝑎)(𝑎)(𝑎)(𝑎)
1. = = 𝑎3 or 𝑎6−3 = 𝑎3
𝑎3 (𝑎)(𝑎)(𝑎)
49𝑏9 (49)(𝑏)(𝑏)(𝑏)(𝑏)(𝑏)(𝑏)(𝑏)(𝑏)(𝑏) 49
2. = = 7𝑏5 or 𝑏9−4 = 7𝑏5
7𝑏 4 (7)(𝑏)(𝑏)(𝑏)(𝑏) 7
3. 3𝑥 6 + 6𝑥 2 = 3𝑥 2 . 𝑥 4 + 3𝑥 2 . 2 = 3𝑥 2 (𝑥 4 + 2)
Exercises 5:
49𝑡 8
1. 7𝑡 11
81𝑏7 64𝑏3
2. + 16𝑏10
6𝑏 4
9𝑥 2 4𝑥 9
3. − 2𝑥4
27𝑥 4
81𝑎𝑏7 64𝑏3
4. 𝑥 16𝑎2 𝑏10
6𝑏4
8𝑟 7 64𝑠𝑟 3
5. + 16𝑟 10
16𝑠𝑟4
6. 8𝑤𝑧 3 − 2𝑤 2 𝑧 + 𝑤𝑧 + 3𝑤 + 𝑧
7. 𝑥𝑦 6 + 16𝑥𝑦 2 − 8𝑥𝑦
8. 81𝑥 3 − 9𝑥𝑦 2 + 𝑥 + 3
9. 4𝑥 6 + 16𝑥 2
10. – 𝑥 4 𝑦 6 + 4𝑥 6 𝑦 4 + 𝑥 4 𝑦
One of the most common and simple is factoring the difference of two squares. The
"Difference of Two Squares" is the square of each term of a binomial with a negative middle
sign.
The product of two binomials with positive and negative signs between the two terms
is factoring the difference of two squares.
B1 – Engineering Algebra Page 10 of 37
Engineering Algebra
Examples:
(𝑎2 − 𝑏2 ) = (𝑎 + 𝑏)(𝑎 − 𝑏)
1. (𝑥 2 − 4) = (𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 2)
2. (1 − 𝑏4 ) = (1 + 𝑏2 )(1 − 𝑏2 )
3. [(𝑎 + 1)2 − 𝑏2 ] = [(𝑎 + 1) + 𝑏][(𝑎 + 1) − 𝑏]
4. (4𝑚6 − 16𝑛4 ) = (2𝑚3 + 4𝑛2 )(2𝑚3 − 4𝑛2 )
5. [49𝑟 2 − (2𝑠 + 1)2 ] = [7𝑟 + (2𝑠 + 1)][7𝑟 − (2𝑠 + 1)]
Exercises 6:
1. (4𝑥 2 − 16)
2. (𝑎2 − 2)
3. (3 − 𝑎6 )
4. (𝑚4 − 49𝑛)
5. (25 − 𝑥 2 )
6. [(2𝑥 + 5)2 − 𝑦 2 ]
7. [(𝑥 + 3)2 − 2𝑦 4 ]
8. [4𝑦 2 − (4𝑥 − 1)2 ]
9. [64𝑎2 − (2𝑏 + 3)2 ]
10. [𝑎4 − (𝑏 − 2)4 ]
Examples:
1. 𝑎2 − 16𝑎 + 64 = (𝑎 − 8)(𝑎 − 8) = (𝑎 − 8)2
B1 – Engineering Algebra Page 11 of 37
Engineering Algebra
Exercises 7:
Simplify the following expressions.
1. 4𝑥 2 + 12𝑥 + 9
2. 𝑥 4 − 10𝑥 2 + 25
3. 25𝑥 2 + 20𝑥𝑦 + 4𝑦 2
4. 𝑎4 − 12𝑎2 𝑏 + 36𝑏2
5. 9𝑎2 + 12𝑎𝑏3 + 4𝑏6
6. (5𝑥 3 − 𝑦𝑧)2
7. (4𝑤 2 − 3)2
8. (3𝑥 − 5𝑦)2
9. (4𝑟 4 + 𝑠 3 )2
10. (5𝑥 4 − 2)2
Examples:
1. 8 + 𝑦 3 = (2 + 𝑦)(4 − 2𝑦 + 𝑦 2 )
2. 27𝑎3 𝑏3 − 64 = (3𝑎𝑏 − 4)(9𝑎2 𝑏2 + 12𝑎𝑏 + 16)
Exercises 8:
Simplify the given expressions.
1. 8𝑎3 + 𝑏3
2. 𝑠 3 + 27𝑟 3
3. 3 + 𝑏3
4. 64𝑎3 + 2
5. 𝑤 3 + 125𝑧 3
6. 216𝑥 3 − 8𝑦 6
7. 𝑎3 − 2𝑏3
8. (𝑎 + 2𝑏)3 − 𝑐 3
9. 𝑥 3 − (𝑦 + 𝑧)3
10. (𝑥 + 𝑦)6 − 8𝑧 6
To complete the square, first isolate the 𝑥 2 term by dividing both sides of the equation by 𝑎, if
necessary. The constant term 𝑐 is then added to both sides, and another constant term is added
to make the expression a perfect square trinomial. Finally, the perfect square trinomial is
factored into the form (𝑥 − 𝑏)2 and the constant 𝑘 is calculated.
Helpful tips in solving completing the square
1. Shift the constant to the right side
𝑏
2. Determine half of 𝑏, which equals :
2
𝑏
3. Find ( 2 )2 ; then add it to both sides of the equation
4. Factor the quadratic side and write the result in perfect square form.
Examples:
1. 𝑎2 + 6𝑎 − 15 = 0
6
𝑎2 + 6𝑎 = 15 = 3, 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 32 = 9
2
𝑎2 + 6𝑎 + 9 = 15 + 9
(𝑎 + 3)(𝑎 + 3) = 24 or
(𝑎 + 3)2 = 24
(𝑎 + 3)2 − 24 = 0
2. 𝑥 2 + 8𝑥 − 2 = 0
8
𝑥 2 + 8𝑥 = 2 = 4, 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 42 = 16
2
𝑥 2 + 8𝑥 + 16 = 2 + 16
(𝑥 + 4)(𝑥 + 4) = 18 or (𝑥 + 4)2 − 18 = 0
Exercises 9:
1. 4𝑥 2 + 20𝑥 + 20
2. 𝑥 4 − 18𝑥 + 59
3. 𝑥 2 + 12𝑥 + 40
4. 𝑤 2 − 8𝑤 + 12
5. 16𝑥 2 + 16𝑥 + 3
6. 𝑎2 𝑏2 − 24𝑎𝑏 + 15
7. 𝑥 2 𝑦 2 − 8𝑥𝑦 + 18
8. 𝑠 2 𝑟 2 + 14𝑠𝑟 + 45
9. 25𝑎2 + 20𝑎 + 1
10. 𝑎4 𝑏4 + 18𝑎2 𝑏2 + 83
Quadratic Formula
The quadratic formula is commonly taught in algebra classes, particularly in the area of solving
quadratic problems. The formula is a method for solving or determining the roots of a quadratic
equation, which is an equation of the form 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 = 0, where 𝑎, 𝑏, and 𝑐 are constants
and 𝑥 is a variable.
The quadratic formula is derived from completing the square of a quadratic equation and is
frequently taught in conjunction with other methods for solving quadratic equations such as
factoring or using the square root property. It is a strong tool that can answer any quadratic
equation, even those that are difficult to factor or solve using other methods.
Quadratic formula
Examples:
1. 2𝑥 2 + 7𝑥 − 3, 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑎 = 2, 𝑏 = 7 & 𝑐 = −3
−7±√72 −4(2)(−3)
𝑥= 2(2)
−7±√73
𝑥= 4
−7+√73
𝑥1 = 4
−7−√73
𝑥2 = 4
−8±√82 −4(1)(16)
𝑥= 2(1)
−8±√128
𝑥= 2
−8+8√2
𝑥1 = = −4 + 4√2
2
−8−8√2
𝑥2 = 2
= −4 − 4√2
Exercises 10:
1. 𝑦 2 + 8𝑦 + 16
2. 4𝑥 2 + 20𝑥 + 20
3. 𝑥 2 − 18𝑥 + 59
4. 𝑥 2 + 12𝑥 + 40
5. 𝑤 2 − 8𝑤 + 12
6. 16𝑥 2 + 16𝑥 + 3
7. 𝑎2 − 24𝑎 + 15
8. 𝑥 2 − 8𝑥 + 18
9. 𝑟 2 + 14𝑟 + 45
10. 25𝑎2 + 20𝑎 + 1
DIVISION OF POLYNOMIALS
Learning Objectives
1. Understanding the long division algorithm for polynomials: Students should be able to perform
and comprehend the long division method for polynomials.
2. Synthetic division of polynomials: Students should be able to divide polynomials using
synthetic division and comprehend the relationship between synthetic division and long
division.
3. Real-world applications of polynomial division: Students should be able to use polynomial
division to solve real-world problems in physics, economics, and engineering.
4. Finding polynomial remainders and quotients: Students should be able to calculate the
remainder and quotient when dividing one polynomial by another.
5. Polynomial factoring with division: Students should be able to factor polynomials using
division and grasp how division can be used to discover polynomial factors.
6. Solving polynomial equations: Students should be able to solve polynomial equations and
determine the roots of polynomials using polynomial division.
7. Understanding the relationship between polynomial division and the Fundamental Theorem of
Algebra: Students should be able to understand the relationship between polynomial division
and the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra, as well as the factorization of polynomials into linear
and quadratic components another.
Division of Polynomials
Polynomial division is the process of dividing one polynomial by another. It entails
determining the quotient and remainder when one polynomial is divided by another. It is similar
to number division, but instead of digits, we use variables and powers of variables. As a result,
a polynomial describing the relationship between the two polynomials being divided.
Example:
The following are the steps in solving long division of polynomials:
Consider the polynomial 𝑥 3 − 12𝑥 2 + 4 divided by 𝑥 − 3. The divisor is 𝑥 − 3, and the
dividend is 𝑥 3 − 12𝑥 2 + 4, which should be arranged in decreasing order, such as
𝑥 3 − 12𝑥 2 + 0𝑥 + 4
Step 1: Divide the dividend's first term by the divisor's first term and set the result on top bar.
𝑥2
𝑥 − 3√𝑥 3 − 12𝑥 2 + 0𝑥 + 4
Step 2: Multiply the result by each term of the divisor and place the product under the
dividend.
𝑥2
𝑥 − 3√𝑥 3 − 12𝑥 2 + 0𝑥 + 4
𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2
Step 3: Subtract the resulting product from the upper terms and then bring down the next
dividend term.
𝑥2
𝑥 − 3√𝑥 3 − 12𝑥 2 + 0𝑥 + 4
−𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 2
−9𝑥 2 + 0𝑥
Step 4: Steps 1–3 should be repeated until there are no more dividend terms to bring down.
𝑥 2 − 9𝑥 − 27
𝑥 − 3√𝑥 3 − 12𝑥 2 + 0𝑥 + 4
−𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 2
−9𝑥 2 + 0𝑥
−9𝑥 2 + 27𝑥 Therefore:
−27𝑥 + 4 𝑥 2 − 9𝑥 − 27 Is
−27𝑥 + 81 the quotient and -77 is
the remainder.
−77 Ans.
Example:
The following are the steps in solving short/synthetic division of polynomials:
Consider the polynomial 𝑥 3 − 12𝑥 2 + 4 divided by 𝑥 − 3. The divisor is 𝑥 − 3, to find
for the quotient and the remainder; the procedures are as follows;
Step 1: Arranged the numerator in descending order.
𝑥 3 − 12𝑥 2 + 0𝑥 + 4
Step 4: Lower the first term below the bar. Then multiply 3 by 1, insert the product under -12,
and add, place the total next to 1.
To check: Cross multiply the denominator of the left side of the equation to the right side,
then simplify.
𝑥 3 − 12𝑥 2 + 4 = (𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 2 − 9𝑥 − 27) − 77
= 𝑥 3 − 9𝑥 2 − 27𝑥 − 3𝑥 2 + 27𝑥 + 81 − 77
𝑥 3 − 4𝑥 2 − 8 = 𝑥 3 − 9𝑥 2 + 4
Exercises 11:
Show your solution by dividing the provided polynomials using the long or short method.
𝑥 3 −4𝑥 2 +2𝑥+5
1. 𝑥−2
3𝑥 4 −𝑥 2 +5𝑥−156
2. 𝑥+3
Learning Objectives
1. Understanding the Rational Roots Theorem: Students should be able to understand the
Rational Roots Theorem's statement, which states that any rational root of a polynomial
equation with integer coefficients must have a numerator that is a factor of the constant
term and a denominator that is a factor of the leading coefficient.
2. Using the Rational Roots Theorem: Students should be able to use the Rational Roots
Theorem to identify the rational roots of a polynomial problem.
3. Understanding the Conjugate Roots Theorem: Students should be able to understand
the statement of the Conjugate Roots Theorem, which asserts that if a polynomial
equation with real coefficients has a complex root, then its conjugate must likewise be
a root.
4. Students should be able to use the Conjugate Roots Theorem to discover all the roots
of a polynomial problem with real coefficients.
5. Solving polynomial equations: Students should be able to solve polynomial equations
using the Rational Roots Theorem and the Conjugate Roots Theorem.
6. Factoring polynomials: Students should be able to factor polynomials into linear and
quadratic factors using the Rational Roots Theorem and the Conjugate Roots Theorem.
7. Real-world applications of the Rational Roots Theorem: Students should be able to
apply the Rational Roots Theorem to real-world problems in physics, economics, and
engineering.
A polynomial equation with a single variable (𝑥) has the mathematical structure:
Where:
𝑎0, 𝑎1 , . . . , 𝑎𝑛 Are ordinary integers.
If it has any rational roots, then it must be in the form
This is an important theorem for determining whether roots are rational or irrational. It also
says that for a given polynomial function with integer or whole number coefficients, you can
get a list of possible solutions by writing down the factors of the constant, or last term, over the
factors of the lead term coefficient.
Example:
Consider the polynomial
𝑅(𝑥 ) = 2𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 − 11𝑥 + 6
𝑎𝑛 𝑎0
Factors of:
6: {1, 2, 3, 6}
2: {1, 2}
𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑎0
So the possible rational roots are: (From Formula ± [ ])
𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑎𝑛
1 1 2 2 3 3 6 6
±{1 , 2 , 1 , 2 , 1 , 2 , 1 , 2}
1 3
±{1, 2 , 2, 3, 2 , 6}
If you look at the given equation the degree of the leading is 3… so there are 3 roots
that needs to find.
So let’s start plugging the possible roots to the given equation equal to zero, to find for
the 3 roots.
Is x = 1?
2(1)3 − 3(1)2 − 11(1) + 6 = 0
2 – 3 -11 + 6 = 0
-6 ≠ 0 (not a root)
1
Is x = 2 ?
1 1 2 1
2(2)3 − 3 (2) − 11 (2) + 6 = 0
1 3 11
−4− +6=0
4 2
0=0 (Root)
Is x = 2?
2(2)3 − 3(2)2 − 11(2) + 6 = 0
16 – 12 – 26 + 6 = 0
-16 ≠ 0 (not a root)
Is x = 3?
2(3)3 − 3(3)2 − 11(3) + 6 = 0
54 – 27 – 33 + 6 = 0
0=0 (Root)
3
Is x = ?
2
3 3 2 3
2(2)3 − 3 (2) − 11(2) + 6 = 0
54 27 33
− − +6=0
8 4 2
84
− ≠0 (not a root)
8
Is x = 6?
2(6)3 − 3(6)2 − 11(6) + 6 = 0
432 – 108 – 66 + 6 =0
264 ≠ 0 (not a root)
Now, remember the possible roots are ±, we still need to find the 3rd root…
Is x = -1?
2(−1)3 − 3(−1)2 − 11(−1) + 6 = 0 (Not a root)
Is x = -2?
2(−2)3 − 3(−2)2 − 11(−2) + 6 = 0
-16 – 12 + 22 +6 = 0
0=0 (Root)
Therefore:
1
Roots are; x = 2 , 𝑥 = 3 & 𝑥 = −2
Example:
1. Find a cubic equation with integral coefficient, whose roots -2 and 6i.
Solution:
(𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 6𝑖 )(𝑥 + 6𝑖 ) = 0
(𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 2 + 6𝑖𝑥 − 6𝑖𝑥 − 36𝑖 2 ) = 0
(𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 2 − 36𝑖 2 ) = 0 (From table above 𝑖 2 =-1)
(𝑥 + 2)[𝑥 2 − 36(−1)] = 0
(𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 2 + 36) = 0 Then multiply
3 2
𝑥 + 36𝑥 + 2𝑥 + 72 = 0 Arranged in standard form
3 2
𝑥 + 2𝑥 + 36𝑥 + 72 = 0 Cubic equation with roots -2, 6i & -6i.
2. Find a cubic equation with integral coefficient, whose roots -1 and -1+i.
So, the complex -1 – i is the 3rd root.
Check:
(−1)3 + 3(−1)2 + 4(−1) + 2 = 0
-1 + 3 – 4 + 2 = 0
0=0
Given:
−3 + 2𝑖 Is a root
Therefore:
From the conjugate theorem −3 − 2𝑖 is also a root
Solution:
The given polynomial have a cubic exponent, so it will also have 3 roots.
So the factors are:
[𝑥 − (−3 − 2𝑖 )[𝑥 − (−3 + 2𝑖 )][𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏] Because the 3rd root is unknown.
Required:
a&b (unknown)
Multiply all first term of the factors and equate to (𝑎𝑛 ) the first term of the given
polynomial.
(𝑥 )(𝑥 )(𝑎𝑥 ) = 2𝑥 3
𝑎𝑥 3 = 2𝑥 3
𝑎=2
Then do the same for the factor’s 2nd term and equate to (𝑎𝑜 ) the last term of the given
polynomial.
(−3 + 2𝑖)(−3 − 2𝑖)(𝑏) = −39
(9 + 6𝑖 − 6𝑖 − 4𝑖 2 )(𝑏) = −39
(9 − 4𝑖 2 )(𝑏) = −39
[9 − 4(−1)](𝑏) = −39 From table 𝑖 2 = −1
(9 + 4)(𝑏) = −39
13𝑏 = −39
−39
𝑏= 13
𝑏 = −3
Therefore the factors are:
[𝑥 − (−3 − 2𝑖 )[𝑥 − (−3 + 2𝑖 )][2𝑥 − 3]
Exercise 1:
1. 4𝑤 2 − 4𝑤𝑢 + 𝑢2
2. 𝑎2 (𝑥 2 + 2𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦 2 )
3. 144𝑥 2 − 24𝑥 2 𝑦 + 𝑦 2
4. 𝑎6 + 4𝑎3 𝑏2 + 4𝑏4
5. 64𝑥 2 − 48𝑥𝑦 + 9𝑦 2 + 10
6. 16𝑎4 + 24𝑎2 𝑏2 + 9𝑏4 − 3𝑎2
7. 9𝑎2 − 5𝑎𝑏4 + 𝑏8
8. 26𝑥 2 + 20𝑥𝑦 + 4𝑦 2
9. −16𝑥 2 + 33𝑥𝑦 − 16𝑦 2
10. 9𝑎4 − 10𝑎2 𝑏2 + 4𝑏4
References: