Rational root theorem
In algebra, the rational root theorem states that given an integer polynomial with leading coefficient and constant term , if has a rational root in lowest terms, then and .
This theorem helps at finding the "nice" roots of a polynomial significantly, aiding to how it limits the possible rational roots to a finite number.
Proof
Let be a rational root of , where every is an integer; we wish to show that and . Since is a root of , Multiplying by yields Using modular arithmetic modulo , we have , which implies that . Because we've defined and to be relatively prime, , which implies by Euclid's lemma. Via similar logic in modulo , , as required.
Problems
Here are some problems that are cracked by the rational root theorem.
Problem 1
Find all rational roots of the polynomial .
Solution: The polynomial has leading coefficient and constant term , so the rational root theorem guarantees that the only possible rational roots are , , , , , , , and . After testing every number, we find that none of these are roots of the polynomial; thus, the polynomial has no rational roots.
Problem 2
Factor the polynomial .
Solution: After testing the divisors of 8, we find that it has roots , , and . Then because it has leading coefficient , the factor theorem tells us that it has the factorization .
Problem 3
Using the rational root theorem, prove that is irrational.
Solution: The polynomial has roots and . The rational root theorem garuntees that the only possible rational roots of this polynomial are , and . Testing these, we find that none are roots of the polynomial, and so it has no rational roots. Then because is a root of the polynomial, it cannot be a rational number.