Algebra II: 1001 Practice Problems For Dummies (+ Free Online Practice)
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In Algebra II, a polynomial function is one in which the coefficients are all real numbers, and the exponents on the variables are all whole numbers. A polynomial whose greatest power is 2 is called a quadratic polynomial; if the highest power is 3, then it’s called a cubic polynomial. A highest power of 4 earns the name quartic (not to be confused with quadratic), and a highest power of 5 is called quintic.

When solving polynomial functions and equations, don’t let these common mistakes trip you up:

  • Forgetting to change the signs in the factored form when identifying x-intercepts

  • Making errors when simplifying the terms in f(–x) applying Descartes’ rule of sign

  • Not changing the sign of the divisor when using synthetic division

  • Not distinguishing between curves that cross from those that just touch the x-axis at an intercept

  • Graphing the incorrect end-behavior on the right and left of the graphs

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Mary Jane Sterling is the author of Algebra I For Dummies, Algebra Workbook For Dummies, and many other For Dummies books. She taught at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois for more than 30 years, teaching algebra, business calculus, geometry, and finite mathematics.

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