Polynomials

A polynomial is an algebraic expression involving variables raised to non-negative integer exponents, combined using addition, subtraction, or multiplication.

General Form of a Polynomial:

$$ P(x) = a_nx^n + a_{n-1}x^{n-1} + \cdots + a_1x + a_0 $$

Where:

$a_0, a_1, \dots, a_n$ are real coefficients
$n$ is the degree of the polynomial
$a_n \ne 0$

Key Concepts:

Degree: Highest exponent of the variable
Leading Coefficient: Coefficient of the highest-degree term
Roots / Zeros: Values of $x$ that make $P(x) = 0$
Factor Theorem: If $P(c) = 0$, then $(x - c)$ is a factor of $P(x)$
Synthetic Division: Shortcut for dividing polynomials by linear factors

Binomial Expansion

The Binomial Theorem gives a formula for expanding powers of a binomial:

$$ (a + b)^n = \sum_{k=0}^{n} \binom{n}{k} a^{n-k}b^k $$

Where $\displaystyle \binom{n}{k}$ is the binomial coefficient, calculated as:

$$ \binom{n}{k} = \frac{n!}{k!(n - k)!} $$

Pascal’s Triangle:

Binomial coefficients form a pattern known as Pascal’s Triangle:

$$ \begin{array}{cccccccccccc} &&&&&& 1 &&&&&& \\ &&&&& 1 && 1 &&&& \\ &&&& 1 && 2 && 1 &&& \\ &&& 1 && 3 && 3 && 1 && \\ && 1 && 4 && 6 && 4 && 1 & \\ & 1 && 5 && 10 && 10 && 5 && 1 \\ \end{array} $$

Each row corresponds to the coefficients of $(a + b)^n$ for $n = 0, 1, 2, \dots$

Useful in Engineering Applications:

Stress-strain modeling using polynomial fits
Control systems using polynomial transfer functions
Signal and systems analysis (filter design)
Binomial expansion in series approximations (e.g., Taylor series)

Understanding polynomials is essential not only in pure math but also in approximating curves, solving real-world system equations, and modeling engineering phenomena.

Special Products

Special products are algebraic expressions that follow predictable patterns when expanded. Recognizing these patterns makes factoring and simplification faster and easier.

1. Square of a Binomial

(a + b)² and (a − b)²:

$$ (a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2 $$ $$ (a - b)^2 = a^2 - 2ab + b^2 $$

Use these identities to quickly expand or factor expressions that involve squared binomials.

2. Product of a Sum and Difference

(a + b)(a − b):

$$ (a + b)(a - b) = a^2 - b^2 $$

This results in a difference of squares. Useful for simplifying expressions or solving equations.

3. Cube of a Binomial

(a + b)³ and (a − b)³:

$$ (a + b)^3 = a^3 + 3a^2b + 3ab^2 + b^3 $$ $$ (a - b)^3 = a^3 - 3a^2b + 3ab^2 - b^3 $$

These help expand cubic binomials without multiplying step by step.

4. Sum and Difference of Cubes

$$ a^3 + b^3 = (a + b)(a^2 - ab + b^2) $$ $$ a^3 - b^3 = (a - b)(a^2 + ab + b^2) $$

These identities are used when factoring expressions with cubic terms.

5. Perfect Square Trinomials

Recognize expressions of the form:

$$ a^2 \pm 2ab + b^2 = (a \pm b)^2 $$

Useful in completing the square or solving quadratic equations.

Mastering these special products allows you to reverse the process during factoring and apply them in higher math, engineering equations, and simplifications in calculus.