Class 10 · Chapter 2

Polynomials

Zeroes of a polynomial and their relationship with coefficients; division algorithm for polynomials.

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Mathematics · Class 10 (2026-27)
Tip: NCERT updated the syllabus for 2026-27. The links above open the latest edition on the official portal — chapter titles and numbering may differ from the notes shown here.
Detailed theory
If α,β\alpha, \beta are zeroes of ax2+bx+cax^2 + bx + c (a≠0a\ne 0), then α+β=−b/a\alpha + \beta = -b/a and αβ=c/a\alpha\beta = c/a. This lets you construct a quadratic with given zeroes: x2−(α+β)x+αβ=0x^2 - (\alpha+\beta)x + \alpha\beta = 0.
Key concepts & formulas
01
For ax2+bx+cax^2+bx+c: sum of zeroes =−b/a=-b/a, product =c/a=c/a.
02
A quadratic has at most 22 zeroes; a cubic at most 33.
03
Division algorithm: p(x)=g(x)q(x)+r(x)p(x) = g(x)q(x) + r(x), deg⁡r<deg⁡g\deg r<\deg g.
04
(x−a)(x-a) divides p(x)p(x) iff p(a)=0p(a)=0 (Factor theorem).
05
Geometrically, zeroes are xx-intercepts of y=p(x)y=p(x).
06
For a cubic ax3+bx2+cx+dax^3+bx^2+cx+d: α+β+γ=−b/a\alpha+\beta+\gamma=-b/a, αβ+βγ+γα=c/a\alpha\beta+\beta\gamma+\gamma\alpha=c/a, αβγ=−d/a\alpha\beta\gamma=-d/a.
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v1.1 · Sept 2026