Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Polynomial Functions
A polynomial function is a mathematical expression involving a sum of powers in one or more variables multiplied by coefficients. The general form of a polynomial in one variable is f(x) = a_n*x^n + a_(n-1)*x^(n-1) + ... + a_1*x + a_0, where 'n' is a non-negative integer and 'a_n' are constants. Understanding polynomial functions is essential for applying various theorems and methods in algebra.
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Remainder Theorem
The Remainder Theorem states that when a polynomial f(x) is divided by (x - k), the remainder of this division is equal to f(k). This theorem simplifies the process of evaluating polynomials at specific points, allowing for quick calculations without performing long division. It is particularly useful in determining function values and analyzing polynomial behavior.
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Evaluation of Functions
Evaluating a function involves substituting a specific value into the function to find the corresponding output. For polynomial functions, this means replacing 'x' with a given number and calculating the result. In the context of the question, evaluating f(2) means substituting 2 into the polynomial f(x) = 2x^2 - 3x - 3 to find the value of the function at that point.
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