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Course: Algebra 2 > Unit 5
Lesson 2: Positive and negative intervals of polynomials- Positive and negative intervals of polynomials
- Positive & negative intervals of polynomials
- Multiplicity of zeros of polynomials
- Zeros of polynomials (multiplicity)
- Zeros of polynomials (multiplicity)
- Zeros of polynomials & their graphs
- Positive & negative intervals of polynomials
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Multiplicity of zeros of polynomials
Google ClassroomThe polynomial p(x)=(x-1)(x-3)² is a 3rd degree polynomial, but it has only 2 distinct zeros. This is because the zero x=3, which is related to the factor (x-3)², repeats twice. This is called multiplicity. It means that x=3 is a zero of multiplicity 2, and x=1 is a zero of multiplicity 1. Multiplicity is a fascinating concept, and it is directly related to graphical behavior of the polynomial around the zero.
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