Monomial (in one variable X):
A function of the form:,.

Polynomial:
Any finite sum of monomials of the form:

Coefficients:
The (real or complex) numbers of the form:

Constant term:
The zero coefficient is .

The product of polynomials:
The product is defined according to the rules:
1)
2) .

Degree:
The degree n is such that:

Dividing polynomials:
We say that divides if there is a polynomial such that .

Roots:
Real or complex numbers where polynomials equal to 0.

Factorization of roots:
If a polynomial of degree n has roots:  then it can be factored as: .

Fundamental theorem of algebra:
A polynomial of degree n has exactly n complex roots.

Rolle’s Theorem:
Let f(X) be a polynomial and a, b are two numbers such that and  then
there is a number c such that :

Flash Movie	Flash Game	Flash Card
Core Concept Tutorial	Problem Solving Drill	Review Cheat Sheet

This tutorial shows the sum and product of polynomials and how their degrees are found using simplification techniques. The important aspects of polynomials are presented in the examples. The division and factoring of polynomials is shown by techniques shown in the examples.

The principles of computing polynomial quotients are seen in this tutorial. The roots of polynomials and their nature are presented in the examples. Rolle’s Theorem is discussed to emphasize the importance of the polynomial roots.

Specific Tutorial Features:
• Problem-solving techniques are used to work out and illustrate the example problems, step by step.
• Easy explanation for sometimes confusing polynomial simplification techniques
• Example showing the use of the division algorithm.

Series Features:
• Concept map showing inter-connections of new concepts in this tutorial and those previously introduced.
• Definition slides introduce terms as they are needed.
• Visual representation of concepts
• Animated examples—worked out step by step
• A concise summary is given at the conclusion of the tutorial.

The basic definitions of polynomials
The degree of polynomials
Division and factoring
Dividing polynomials
Methods to divide polynomials
Roots
Root factorization
Roots that are complex
Rolle’s Theorem