Lesson Plan Using the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra 11th Grade

Algebra II
Standards

MGSE9-12.N.CN.9 Use the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra to find all roots of a polynomial
equation.

MGSE9-12.A.SSE.1a Interpret parts of an expression, such as terms, factors, and coefficients, in

context.

MGSE9-12.F.IF.7 Graph functions expressed algebraically and show key features of the graph
both by hand and by using technology. (Limit to polynomial functions.)

MGSE9-12.F.IF.7c Graph polynomial functions, identifying zeros when suitable factorizations

are available, and showing end behavior.

Objectives:

1. Use the fundamental theorem of algebra to determine the number of zeros of a

polynomial.
2. Use technology to approximate the zeros of a polynomial function.

Warmup Students receive the warmups for the week on Mondays. These contain SAT
questions. Students will work on the warmups for the given day. Teacher will go over the
problems and also give test taking strategies.

Lesson The last lesson covered the Rational Zero Theorem which showed all the possible real
zeros of a polynomial function. In this lesson, students will use the graphing calculator to help
get started in finding all the zeros.

Teacher will write the Fundamental Theorem on board and explain it. The Fundamental
Theorem of algebra states that every non-constant single-variable polynomial with complex
coefficients has at least one complex root. This includes polynomials with real coefficients, since
every real number is a complex number with an imaginary part equal to zero.
5 4 2
Teacher will have students find all the zeros of f ( x )=x 2 x +8 x 13 x+ 6 . Teacher will
ask the students how many zeros this function has. We will first use Rational Zero Theorem. As
a class we will find a zero and test in using synthetic division. If it works, we will continue
finding other zeros. We will keep breaking it down until we get to a quadratic function. We will
then use quadratic formula to find the rest. The last two zeros we find will be imaginary
numbers. Students will take the graphing calculator and graph the function. We will discover
that there are 3 real zeros and 2 imaginary zeros. There is our total of five zeros.

Teacher will do another one with the class. Then class will do one on their own. Teacher will
walk around and check students work.

Next, teacher will work an example of writing a polynomial function of least degree that has real
coefficients, a leading coefficient of 1, and 2, 3 and -4 as zeros. Teacher will work another one
with students that include imaginary numbers.

Summarize: Teacher will give students homework assignment. Teacher will ask students
questions about the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra checking for understanding.