21. Roots of a Polynomial
The chapter explores the concept of roots of polynomials over a field, establishing that a polynomial of degree n can have at most n roots. It further discusses methods for finding irreducible factors of polynomials, particularly focusing on small degree polynomials in the context of integers. It introduces the concept of monic polynomials and provides a step-by-step method for checking linear and quadratic factors, culminating in the factorization of x^4 + 1.
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What we have learnt
- Polynomials of degree n can have at most n roots.
- Roots of a polynomial f(x) can be established through the factor theorem.
- Finding irreducible factors is akin to prime factorization in integers.
Key Concepts
- -- Root of a Polynomial
- A value α such that f(α) = 0 for a polynomial f(x) over a field.
- -- Monic Polynomial
- A polynomial where the leading coefficient (coefficient of the highest degree term) is 1.
- -- Irreducible Polynomial
- A polynomial that cannot be factored into the product of lower-degree polynomials over a given field.
- -- Factor Theorem
- The theorem stating that a polynomial f(x) has a root α if and only if (x - α) is a factor of f(x).
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