Chapter 3: Polynomials

Polynomials covers finding the zeroes of a polynomial — the x-values where it equals zero — reading a graph to estimate how many real zeroes exist, and the algebraic relationship between zeroes and coefficients, plus the division algorithm. For x²−5x+6, the zeroes 2 and 3 sum to 5 and multiply to 6, matching −(coefficient of x) and the constant term exactly, as the theory predicts.

Assuming the number of times a graph crosses the x-axis always equals the polynomial's degree is a common overreach — it's an upper limit, not a guarantee. This chapter adds a graphical dimension to Class 9's factorisation work, and its skills feed straight into the next two chapters: Pair of Linear Equations, then Quadratic Equations.