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Fundamental Theorem of Algebra

The theorem that establishes that, using complex numbers, all polynomials can be factored. A generalization of the theorem asserts that any polynomial of degree n has exactly n zeros, counting multiplicity.

 

Fundamental Theorem of Algebra:
A polynomial p(x) = anxn + an1xn1 + ··· + a2x2 + a1x + a0 with degree n at least 1 and with coefficients that may be real or complex must have a factor of the form xr, where r may be real or complex.

 

 

See also

Factor theorem, polynomial facts

 


  this page updated 15-jul-23
Mathwords: Terms and Formulas from Algebra I to Calculus
written, illustrated, and webmastered by Bruce Simmons
Copyright © 2000 by Bruce Simmons
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