Class 10 Maths MCQ Test – Polynomial (Chapter 2) | Full Chapter Test

Class 10 Mathematics – Chapter 2: Polynomials (Detailed Notes)

These notes are designed for CBSE, GSEB and board exam preparation. It includes definitions, formulas, properties, and exam-oriented concepts.


1. What is a Polynomial?

A polynomial is an algebraic expression consisting of variables and coefficients, where the powers of variables are whole numbers (0, 1, 2, 3, ...).

General form of a polynomial in one variable:

\( p(x) = a_n x^n + a_{n-1}x^{n-1} + ... + a_1x + a_0 \)

Where:

  • \( a_n, a_{n-1}, ..., a_0 \) are real numbers
  • \( a_n \neq 0 \)
  • \( n \) is a non-negative integer

2. Types of Polynomials

  • Constant Polynomial: Degree = 0 (e.g. 5)
  • Linear Polynomial: Degree = 1 (e.g. \( ax + b \))
  • Quadratic Polynomial: Degree = 2 (e.g. \( ax^2 + bx + c \))
  • Cubic Polynomial: Degree = 3 (e.g. \( ax^3 + bx^2 + cx + d \))

3. Degree of a Polynomial

The highest power of the variable in a polynomial is called its degree.

Example:

  • \( 3x^2 + 2x + 1 \) → Degree = 2
  • \( 5x^3 + x \) → Degree = 3

4. Zeroes of a Polynomial

A value of \( x \) for which \( p(x) = 0 \) is called a zero or root of the polynomial.

Graphically, zeroes are the points where the graph of polynomial intersects the x-axis.

Example: If \( p(x) = x - 3 \), then zero is \( x = 3 \).


5. Remainder Theorem

If a polynomial \( p(x) \) is divided by \( (x - a) \), then the remainder is \( p(a) \).

\( \text{Remainder} = p(a) \)

Example: If \( p(x) = x^2 + 2x + 1 \), then remainder when divided by \( (x - 1) \) is:

\( p(1) = 1 + 2 + 1 = 4 \)


6. Factor Theorem

A polynomial \( (x - a) \) is a factor of \( p(x) \) if and only if \( p(a) = 0 \).

If \( p(a) = 0 \Rightarrow (x - a) \) is a factor


7. Division Algorithm for Polynomials

For polynomials \( p(x) \) and \( g(x) \), where \( g(x) \neq 0 \):

\( p(x) = g(x) \cdot q(x) + r(x) \)

Where:

  • \( p(x) \) = Dividend
  • \( g(x) \) = Divisor
  • \( q(x) \) = Quotient
  • \( r(x) \) = Remainder

Condition: Degree of \( r(x) \) < Degree of \( g(x) \)


8. Zeroes of Quadratic Polynomial

For a quadratic polynomial \( ax^2 + bx + c \), zeroes are roots of equation:

\( ax^2 + bx + c = 0 \)

If \( \alpha \) and \( \beta \) are zeroes, then:

  • \( \alpha + \beta = \frac{-b}{a} \)
  • \( \alpha \beta = \frac{c}{a} \)

9. Relation Between Zeroes and Coefficients

For quadratic polynomial \( ax^2 + bx + c \):

Sum of zeroes:

\( \alpha + \beta = -\frac{b}{a} \)

Product of zeroes:

\( \alpha \beta = \frac{c}{a} \)


10. Factorisation of Polynomials

Methods of factorisation:

  • Taking common factor
  • Splitting middle term
  • Using identities

Important Identities:

  • \( (a+b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2 \)
  • \( (a-b)^2 = a^2 - 2ab + b^2 \)
  • \( a^2 - b^2 = (a-b)(a+b) \)

11. Graph of a Polynomial

The graph of a polynomial helps in identifying zeroes:

  • Linear → Straight line
  • Quadratic → Parabola
  • Cubic → S-shaped curve

Zeroes are points where graph cuts x-axis.


⬇️ Practice MCQs and numericals after revising these notes

Class 10 Maths MCQ Test – Polynomials (Full Chapter Test)

Class 10 Maths

MCQ Test – Polynomials (Full Chapter Test)

Time Left: 5:00
1. If α and β are zeros of x² − 5x + 6, then (α + β) is:
2. The number of zeros of the polynomial represented by a graph intersecting the x-axis at two distinct points is:
3. If α and β are zeros of polynomial x² − 7x + 10, then αβ equals:
4. If one zero of the polynomial x² − 3x − 10 is 5, then the other zero is:
5. If α and β are zeros of 2x² − 7x + 3, then α + β equals:
6. If α and β are zeros of quadratic polynomial ax² + bx + c, then αβ equals:
7. If the sum of zeros of a quadratic polynomial is 6 and product is 8, the polynomial is:
8. If α and β are zeros of polynomial x² + 5x + 6, then α + β equals:
9. A quadratic polynomial whose zeros are 3 and −2 is:
10. If one zero of x² − 9 is 3, the other zero is:
Class 10 Maths Chapter 2: Polynomials Notes

Class 10 Maths Chapter 2: Polynomials

Polynomials is a fundamental chapter in Class 10 Mathematics. It forms the base for higher algebra and plays an important role in board exams. Understanding this chapter helps students analyze algebraic expressions, graphs, and equations effectively.


Learning Outcomes

After completing this chapter, students will be able to:

  • Understand the concept of polynomials and their degrees.
  • Identify types of polynomials such as linear, quadratic, and cubic.
  • Find zeros of a polynomial graphically and algebraically.
  • Understand the relationship between zeros and coefficients.
  • Apply the Factor Theorem and Remainder Theorem.
  • Factorize polynomials using different methods.
  • Analyze graphs of polynomials and understand their behavior.
Exam Tip: Questions based on finding zeros and using the Factor Theorem are very common in CBSE board exams.

Important Concepts

  • Polynomial: An expression consisting of variables and coefficients.
  • Degree: The highest power of the variable.
  • Zeros: Values of x where polynomial becomes zero.
  • Graph: The number of zeros equals the number of points where graph cuts x-axis.
  • Factor Theorem: If f(a) = 0, then (x - a) is a factor of polynomial.
Important Concept: The graphical representation of polynomials helps visualize the number of zeros easily.

Real Life Applications

Polynomials are widely used in real life and various fields:

  • Engineering: Used in designing structures and curves.
  • Economics: Used to model profit and cost functions.
  • Physics: Helps in motion equations and trajectory calculations.
  • Computer Graphics: Used to design curves and animations.
  • Business: Used to predict trends and growth patterns.
Exam Insight: Case-based questions may include real-life situations involving polynomial graphs.

Common Mistakes Students Make

  • Confusing degree of polynomial with number of terms.
  • Incorrectly identifying zeros from graph.
  • Forgetting sign changes while factorization.
  • Applying Factor Theorem incorrectly.
  • Skipping steps in long division method.
  • Not verifying answers after solving.
Pro Tip: Always check your factorization by multiplying factors again.

Conclusion

The chapter “Polynomials” is highly scoring and concept-based. With regular practice of graphs, factorization, and theorem-based questions, students can easily master this chapter. Focus on clarity of concepts and avoid common mistakes to score high marks in exams.

Class 10 Maths Chapter 2: Polynomials - Solved Examples & FAQs

Class 10 Maths Chapter 2: Polynomials

10 Detailed Solved Examples

Example 1: Finding Zeros

Find the zeros of the polynomial f(x) = x² − 5x + 6.

Solution:
Factorize: x² − 5x + 6 = (x − 2)(x − 3)
So, zeros are 2 and 3.
Example 2: Relationship between Zeros and Coefficients

Find sum and product of zeros of 2x² − 7x + 3.

Solution:
Sum = −b/a = 7/2
Product = c/a = 3/2
Example 3: Verify Relationship

Verify relationship between zeros and coefficients for x² − 3x + 2.

Solution:
Zeros = 1, 2
Sum = 1 + 2 = 3 = −(−3)/1 ✔
Product = 1 × 2 = 2 ✔
Example 4: Factor Theorem

Check whether (x − 2) is a factor of f(x) = x³ − 8.

Solution:
f(2) = 8 − 8 = 0
Hence, (x − 2) is a factor.
Example 5: Remainder Theorem

Find remainder when x³ − 3x² + 4 is divided by (x − 1).

Solution:
f(1) = 1 − 3 + 4 = 2
Remainder = 2
Example 6: Number of Zeros (Graph Concept)

How many zeros does a quadratic polynomial have?

Solution:
A quadratic polynomial can have maximum 2 zeros.
Example 7: Factorisation

Factorize x³ − 3x² − 4x + 12.

Solution:
Group terms:
x²(x − 3) − 4(x − 3)
= (x − 3)(x² − 4)
= (x − 3)(x − 2)(x + 2)
Example 8: Polynomial Identity

Verify identity: (x + y)² = x² + 2xy + y² for x = 2, y = 3.

Solution:
LHS = (2 + 3)² = 25
RHS = 4 + 12 + 9 = 25 ✔
Example 9: Cubic Polynomial Zeros

Find one zero of x³ − x² − x + 1.

Solution:
Try x = 1:
f(1) = 1 − 1 − 1 + 1 = 0
So, 1 is a zero.
Example 10: Graph Interpretation

If a graph cuts x-axis at 3 points, what is the degree?

Solution:
Maximum zeros = degree
So degree ≥ 3.

10 Detailed FAQs

Q1: What is a polynomial?
A polynomial is an algebraic expression consisting of variables, coefficients, and powers of variables.
Q2: What is degree of a polynomial?
The highest power of the variable in the polynomial.
Q3: What are zeros of a polynomial?
Values of x that make the polynomial equal to zero.
Q4: What is Factor Theorem?
If f(a) = 0, then (x − a) is a factor of polynomial.
Q5: What is Remainder Theorem?
Remainder when dividing by (x − a) is f(a).
Q6: How are graphs related to zeros?
Number of x-axis intersections equals number of zeros.
Q7: Can a polynomial have infinite zeros?
No, maximum zeros = degree of polynomial.
Q8: What is a quadratic polynomial?
A polynomial of degree 2.
Q9: Why is this chapter important?
It forms base for algebra, calculus, and higher mathematics.
Q10: What is the best way to prepare?
Practice factorization, theorems, and graph-based questions regularly.

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