Colegio de la Purisima Concepcion

The School of the Archdiocese of Capiz

Roxas City

Self Learning Kit in Mathematics 10

RATIONAL ROOT THEOREM,
FACTORING POLYNOMIALS, and
ROOTS OF POLYNOMIAL EQUATIONS
(1st Quarter – Week 8)

Prepared by:

APRIL A. ANISCO, LPT

www.facebook.com/aprilaanisco
[email protected]
 CONTENTS
Lesson 1.8: RATIONAL ROOT THEOREM, FACTORING
POLYNOMIALS, and ROOTS OF POLYNOMIAL EQUATIONS
Introduction 3
What You Have to Know 3
Expected Skills 4
Guide Questions 4
What Do You Know
Review 4
Drill Exercise 5
What’s New
Activity 1: The Factors 5
Definition: Rational Root Theorem 6
Example 1: The Possible Rational Roots 6
Example 2: Roots and Linear Factors of Polynomials 8
What to Do
Activity 2: PRACTICE NOW: Roots and Linear Factors of Polynomials 11
What Have You Learned
Generalization 12
Assessment 12
What’s More
Enrichment: Take the Written Assignments 12
Where to Connect 13
Answer Key 14

AAAAAA

Page 2 of 14 | CPC JHS SLK in Mathematics 10 – Week 8 of Quarter 1

 RATIONAL ROOT THEOREM, FACTORING POLYNOMIALS,
Lesson and ROOTS OF POLYNOMIAL EQUATIONS
1.8

Introduction

Listing all possibilities before deciding to choose makes for a

wiser decision. It allows a person to analyze the situation, check on the
pros and cons, weigh all possibilities, and take better options. There
are a variety of methods that you can apply which provide the solutions
to problems. One example is solving polynomial equations.
To solve polynomial equations, factoring techniques are
essential. However, not all polynomials are factorable. In this case,
application of the remainder and factor theorems and use of synthetic
division come in handy. Another useful theorem in finding the roots of a
polynomial equation, especially for higher degree polynomial, is the
rational root theorem (Oliver, et.al., 2019).
This learning kit focuses on the rational root theorem, factoring
polynomials, and finding the roots of polynomial equations.

What You Have to Know

At the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

1. prove the rational root theorem;
2. factor polynomials; and
3. find the roots of polynomial equations.

AAAAAA

Page 3 of 14 | CPC JHS SLK in Mathematics 10 – Week 8 of Quarter 1

 Expected Skills

To do well in this learning kit, you need to remember and do the

following:
1. follow the directions carefully;
2. master the prerequisite skills such as formulating and solving equations
and observing patterns; and
3. solve with speed and accuracy.

Guide Questions

How can you determine the possible roots of a given polynomial?

How can you factor polynomials?
How can you solve for the roots of a polynomial equation?

Let us review our past lesson. Answer the questions below.

What Do You Know

Review

Divide the polynomial by the given binomial, determine the remainder, and tell
whether the binomial is a factor of the polynomial. Write your answers on the given
space. If you don’t have a printed copy of this kit, write your answers in your notebook.
1. 3𝑥 3 − 11𝑥 2 − 18𝑥 − 6; 𝑥 − 5 2. 2𝑥 4 + 5𝑥 3 − 15𝑥 2 − 45𝑥 − 27; 𝑥 + 1

AAAAAA

Page 4 of 14 | CPC JHS SLK in Mathematics 10 – Week 8 of Quarter 1

 Refer to the answer key for the correct answers.
How is your score? Did you answer all items correctly? If yes, excellent! If not, do
not hesitate to contact your teacher or your classmates.
Let us now find out if you are ready for our new lesson. Answer the questions in
the drill exercise below.

Drill Exercise

Determine all factors of each integer. Write the factors in the box. If you don’t
have a printed copy of this kit, write your answers in your notebook.
1. 16 

2. 10 

3. 15 

4. 28 

5. 30 

Refer to the answer key for the correct answers.

Did you answer all items correctly? If yes, then you are ready for our new lesson.
Perform Activity 1.

What’s New

Activity 1 THE FACTORS

Given the polynomial equation 𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 8 = 0, answer the questions below.

Write your answers in the box. If you don’t have a printed copy of this kit, write your
answers in your notebook.
1. What is the constant of the polynomial equation? What are its factors?

AAAAAA

Page 5 of 14 | CPC JHS SLK in Mathematics 10 – Week 8 of Quarter 1

2. Complete Table 1 below.
Table 1
Is the root a factor Is the binomial a factor
Binomial Root
of the constant? of 𝒙𝟐 − 𝟔𝒙 + 𝟖?
𝑥+3=0
𝑥−2=0
𝑥−4=0
𝑥−5=0

3. What is the relationship between the root of a factor of the polynomial equation and
the factors its constant?

Were you able to answer the problem? If yes, excellent!

Recall that polynomial equations are polynomials set equal to 0, which are solved
by finding the values of the variable that will satisfy the given equation. These values
are called roots. The degree of the polynomial equation indicates the total number of
roots. The factor theorem can be used to find the roots of the equation. For higher
degree polynomials, the rational root theorem is useful. It narrows down the possible
roots of the given equation.
Let us now discuss how to use the rational root theorem.

Definition

Rational Root Theorem

If the polynomial 𝑃 𝑥 = 𝑎𝑛 𝑥 𝑛 + 𝑎𝑛−1 𝑥 𝑛 −1 + ⋯ + 𝑎1 𝑥 + 𝑎0 has integer
𝑝
coefficients and if is a rational number in lowest terms, then every rational root
𝑞
𝑝
of 𝑃 𝑥 is of form 𝑞 , where 𝑝 is a factor of the constant 𝑎0 , and 𝑞 is a factor of the

leading coefficient 𝑎𝑛 .

AAAAAA

Page 6 of 14 | CPC JHS SLK in Mathematics 10 – Week 8 of Quarter 1

 Example 1 THE POSSIBLE RATIONAL ROOTS
Give all possible rational roots of the following polynomials.
1. 𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 2 − 4 3. 2𝑥 3 + 11𝑥 2 + 10𝑥 − 8
2. 𝑥 4 − 4𝑥 3 − 7𝑥 2 + 22𝑥 + 24

Solution THE POSSIBLE RATIONAL ROOTS

1. Since the constant is −4, and the leading coefficient is 1,

(If the leading coefficient is ±1, the possible roots are the factors of the constant.)
𝑝 = ±1, ±2, ±4

∴ The possible rational roots of 𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 2 − 4 are ±1, ±2 and ±4.

2. Since the constant is 24, and the leading coefficient is 1,

𝑝 = ±1, ±2, ±3, ±4, ±6, ±8, ±12, ±24

∴ The possible rational roots of 𝑥 4 − 4𝑥 3 − 7𝑥 2 + 22𝑥 + 24 are

±1, ±2, ±3, ±4, ±6, ±8, ±12 and ±24.

3. Since the constant is 8, and the leading coefficient is 2,

𝑝 = ±1, ±2, ±4, ±8 𝑞 = ±1, ±2
𝑝 1 𝑝 4 𝑝 1 𝑝 4
= ± = ±1 = ± = ±4 =± = ± = ±2
𝑞 1 𝑞 1 𝑞 2 𝑞 2
𝑝 2 𝑝 8 𝑝 2 𝑝 8
= ± = ±2 = ± = ±8 = ± = ±1 = ± = ±4
𝑞 1 𝑞 1 𝑞 2 𝑞 2

1
∴ The possible rational roots of 2𝑥 3 + 11𝑥 2 + 10𝑥 − 8 are ±1, ±2, ±4, ±8 and ± 2.

Let us now apply the rational root theorem in finding the roots and factors of a
polynomial. To use this method, we will determine first the roots using synthetic
𝑝
division. If the remainder is 0, then 𝑞 is a root of the polynomial equation.

Study Example 2.

AAAAAA

Page 7 of 14 | CPC JHS SLK in Mathematics 10 – Week 8 of Quarter 1

 Example 2 ROOTS AND LINEAR FACTORS OF A POLYNOMIAL
Determine the roots and the linear factors of each polynomial.
1. 𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 2 − 4 3. 2𝑥 3 + 11𝑥 2 + 10𝑥 − 8
2. 𝑥 4 − 4𝑥 3 − 7𝑥 2 + 22𝑥 + 24

Solution ROOTS AND LINEAR FACTORS OF A POLYNOMIAL

1. The degree of the polynomial 𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 2 − 4 indicates that it has three roots. To solve
for the roots, determine first the possible rational roots. Then, try each one using
synthetic division.
Since the constant is −4, and the leading coefficient is 1, the possible rational
roots are ±1, ±2 and±4. Check each using synthetic division.
When 𝑥 = −1, Since the remainder is not 0, −1 is not a
−1 1 3 0 −4
root of 𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 2 − 4.
−1 −2 2
1 2 −2 −2

When 𝑥 = 1, Since the remainder is 0, 1 is a root of

1 1 3 0 −4 𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 2 − 4. Try again 1 using the numerical
1 4 4 coefficients of the quotient (the numbers in the
1 1 4 4 0 third row) to check for multiplicity.
1 5 Since the remainder on the second try is
1 5 9 not 0, then 1 is a root of multiplicity of 1 (the
multiplicity is 1 because it appears once as a
root.)

When 𝑥 = 2,
Since the remainder is not 0, 2 is not a root
2 1 4 4
of 𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 2 − 4.
2 12
1 6 16

AAAAAA

Page 8 of 14 | CPC JHS SLK in Mathematics 10 – Week 8 of Quarter 1

 When 𝑥 = −2,
Since the remainder is 0, −2 is a root of
−2 1 4 4
𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 2 − 4. Try again −2 using the numbers on
−2 −4
the third row to check for multiplicity.
−2 1 2 0
Since the remainder on the second try is 0,
−2
−2 is a root of multiplicity of 2. (The multiplicity of
1 0
−2 is 2 because −2 appears twice as a root.)

Stop performing synthetic division if you found all the roots, or there are only two
numbers left in the bottom row and the number on the right is 0. (This is only applicable if the
divisor is a binomial in the first degree.)
To determine the factors of the polynomial 𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 2 − 4, use its roots.
𝑥=1 𝑥=2
𝑥−1= 0 𝑥−2= 0

∴ The roots of 𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 2 − 4 are 1, and 2 of multiplicity of 2. Its linear factors are

𝑥 − 1 and 𝑥 − 2 2 .

2. The degree of the polynomial 𝑥 4 − 4𝑥 3 − 7𝑥 2 + 22𝑥 + 24 indicates that it has four

roots. Since the constant is 24, and the leading coefficient is 1, the possible rational
roots are ±1, ±2, ±3, ±4, ±6, ±8, ±12 and±24. Check each using synthetic division.
When 𝑥 = −1, Since the remainder is 0, −1 is a root of
−1 1 −4 −7 22 24
𝑥 4 − 4𝑥 3 − 7𝑥 2 + 22𝑥 + 24. Check for its
−1 5 2 −24 multiplicity. Then, proceed to next possible root if
1 −5 −2 24 0 the multiplicity is 1.

When 𝑥 = −2,
Since the remainder is 0, −2 is a root of
−2 1 −5 −2 24
𝑥 4 − 4𝑥 3 − 7𝑥 2 + 22𝑥 + 24. Check for its
−2 14 −24
multiplicity. Then, proceed to next possible root if
1 −7 12 0
the multiplicity is 1.
.

AAAAAA

Page 9 of 14 | CPC JHS SLK in Mathematics 10 – Week 8 of Quarter 1

 When 𝑥 = 3, Since the remainder is 0, 3 is a root of
3 1 −7 −12 𝑥 4 − 4𝑥 3 − 7𝑥 2 + 22𝑥 + 24. Check for its
3 −12 multiplicity. Then, proceed to next possible root if
1 −4 0 the multiplicity is 1.
.
When 𝑥 = 4,
Since the remainder is 0, 4 is a root of
4 1 −4
𝑥 4 − 4𝑥 3 − 7𝑥 2 + 22𝑥 + 24.
4
1 0

To determine the factors,

𝑥 = −1 𝑥 = −2 𝑥=3 𝑥=4
𝑥+1= 0 𝑥+2= 0 𝑥−3=0 𝑥−4=0

∴ The roots of 𝑥 4 − 4𝑥 3 − 7𝑥 2 + 22𝑥 + 24 are −1, −2, 3 and 4. Its linear factors are
𝑥 + 1 , 𝑥 + 2 , 𝑥 − 3 and 𝑥 − 4 .

3. The degree of the polynomial 2𝑥 3 + 11𝑥 2 + 10𝑥 − 8 indicates that it has three roots.
Since the constant is 8, and the leading coefficient is 2, the possible rational roots
1
are ±1, ±2, ±4, ±8 and ± 2. Check each using synthetic division.
1
When 𝑥 = 2, Since the remainder is 0,
1
1 2 11 10 −8 is a root of 2𝑥 3 + 11𝑥 2 + 10𝑥 − 8 . Check for its
2
2 1 6 8 multiplicity. Then, proceed to next possible root if
2 12 16 0 the multiplicity is 1.

When 𝑥 = −2,
Since the remainder is 0,
−2 2 12 16
−2 is a root of 2𝑥 3 + 11𝑥 2 + 10𝑥 − 8 . Check for
−4 −16 its multiplicity. Then, proceed to next possible
2 8 0 root if the multiplicity is 1.

AAAAAA

Page 10 of 14 | CPC JHS SLK in Mathematics 10 – Week 8 of Quarter 1

 When 𝑥 = −4, Since the remainder is 0,
−4 2 8
−4 is a root of 2𝑥 3 + 11𝑥 2 + 10𝑥 − 8.
−8
2 0

To determine the factors,

1 𝑥 = −2 𝑥 = −4
𝑥=
2 𝑥+2=0 𝑥+4=0
2𝑥 = 1
2𝑥 − 1 = 0

1
∴ The roots of 2𝑥 3 + 11𝑥 2 + 10𝑥 − 8 are , −2, and −4. Its linear factors are 2𝑥 −
2

1, 𝑥+2 and 𝑥+4.

Now it’s your turn! Answer the activity in What to Do to

practice your skills.

What to Do

Activity 2 PRACTICE NOW: Roots and Linear Factors of Polynomials

Write the list of all possible rational roots of each polynomial below. Then
determine the rational roots and factors. Write your answers in your notebook.
1. 𝑥 3 − 4𝑥 2 + 𝑥 + 6 3. 𝑥 4 − 5𝑥 2 + 4
2. 3𝑥 3 − 11𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 + 3
Refer to the answer key for the correct answers.
Did you answer all items correctly? If yes, excellent! If not, do not hesitate to
contact your classmates or teacher.
Let us now find out how much have you learned in this lesson.

AAAAAA

Page 11 of 14 | CPC JHS SLK in Mathematics 10 – Week 8 of Quarter 1

 What Have You Learned

Generalization

How can you determine the possible roots of a given polynomial?

How can you factor polynomials?
How can you solve for the roots of a polynomial equation?

Assessment

Answer Q1W8 Assessment assigned to your Genyo account on our

assessment day.

What’s More

Enrichment TAKE THE WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS

Answer Take the Written Assignments – B (4 and 7) on page 18, and Take the
Written Assignments – A (6-10) and B (8 only) on pages 20-21 of your Dynamic
Minds: A Math Workbook. Write your answers in your workbook.

AAAAAA

Page 12 of 14 | CPC JHS SLK in Mathematics 10 – Week 8 of Quarter 1

 Where to Connect

 Becris. Machine Learning free icon [online image]. (n.d.). Flaticon.

https://www.flaticon.com/free-icon/machine-learning_2103420
 Chow, I., Meng, N., Hong, O., Seng, T.K., Yee, L., & Yeo, J. (2017). New
Syllabus Mathematics Singapore Math Worktext 10. New Edition. Rex Book
Store, Inc.
 Clipart Library. Big School Cliparts #3004842 [online image]. (n.d.). http://clipart-
library.com/clipart/n1092870.htm
 Clipart Library. Teacher Clipart Transparent Background #1562537 [online
image]. (n.d.). http://clipart-library.com/clip-art/teacher-clipart-transparent-
background-13.htm
 David, O. M., Dominguez, M. U., & Urgena, J. A. (2019). Dynamic Minds. A Math
Workbook 10. Diwa Learning Systems, Inc.
 Maxim Basinski Premium. Communication premium icon [online image]. (n.d.).
Flaticon. https://www.flaticon.com/premium-icon/communication_789275
 Maxim Basinski Premium. Ingenuity premium icon [online image]. (n.d.). Flaticon.
https://www.flaticon.com/premium-icon/ingenuity_789280
 Maxim Basinski Premium. Mind premium icon [online image]. (n.d.). Flaticon.
https://www.flaticon.com/premium-icon/mind_789274
 Maxim Basinski Premium. Mind premium icon [online image]. (n.d.). Flaticon.
https://www.flaticon.com/premium-icon/mind_789291
 Maxim Basinski Premium. Thinking premium icon [online image]. (n.d.). Flaticon.
https://www.flaticon.com/premium-icon/thinking_789272
 Smashicons. Anxiety free icon [online image]. (n.d.). Flaticon.
https://www.flaticon.com/free-icon/anxiety_1491371
 www.photomath.app

AAAAAA

Page 13 of 14 | CPC JHS SLK in Mathematics 10 – Week 8 of Quarter 1

 Answer Key

Review
4
1. 3𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 2 + 𝑥−5; r. 4; not a factor

2. 2𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 2 − 18𝑥 − 27; r. 0; factor

Drill Exercise
1. 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 3. 1, 3, 5, 15 5. 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 10, 15, 30
2. 1, 2, 5, 10 4. 1, 2, 4, 7, 14, 28
Activity 1
1. −8; ±1, ±2, ±4, ±8
2.
Is the root a factor Is the binomial a factor
Binomial Root
of the constant? of 𝒙𝟐 − 𝟔𝒙 + 𝟖?
𝑥+3=0 −3 No No
𝑥−2=0 2 Yes Yes
𝑥−4=0 4 Yes Yes
𝑥−5=0 5 No No

3. The root of the factor of the polynomial is a factor of the constant.

Activity 2
1. ±1, ±2, ±3, ±6 ; 𝑥 = −1, 2, 3 ; 𝑥 + 1 , 𝑥 − 2 , 𝑥 − 3
1
2. ±1, ±3 ; 𝑥 = − 3 , 1, 3 ; 𝑥 − 1 , 3𝑥 + 1 , 𝑥 − 3

3. ±1, ±2, ±4 ; 𝑥 = −2, −1, 1, 2 ; 𝑥 − 1 , 𝑥 + 1 , 𝑥 − 2 , 𝑥 + 2

AAAAAA

Page 14 of 14 | CPC JHS SLK in Mathematics 10 – Week 8 of Quarter 1