Rational root theorem worksheet for Algebra 2
The rational root theorem gives a short list to test: the top of each possible zero divides the constant, the bottom divides the leading coefficient. Once one zero is found, divide it out and the rest come from what is left.
Also taught in Precalculus, at its own level and with its own examples.
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Sigma Prep · sigmaprep.io/worksheets Name Rational Zeros Date Period Solve each equation, or answer as asked.
Free math worksheets at sigmaprep.io/worksheets© 2026 Sigma Prep |
Sigma Prep · sigmaprep.io/worksheets Name Rational ZerosAnswer keyVersion 1 Date Period Solve each equation, or answer as asked.
Free math worksheets at sigmaprep.io/worksheets© 2026 Sigma Prep |
How to do these
- The top divides 6, the bottom divides 2.
- So the candidates are plus or minus 1, 2, 3, 6, 1/2 and 3/2.
- Testing finds -3/2 and 2.
The answer is .
Where students go wrong
Only testing whole numbers. If the leading coefficient is not 1 then a fractional zero is likely, and a student who tries 1, 2 and 3 and gives up concludes wrongly that it does not factor.
Also called rational zero theorem, finding rational zeros or possible rational roots.
What you can put on this worksheet
- Zeros that are fractions
- →
- List the possible rational zeros
- List the possible rational zeros of →
- All zeros, some irrational or complex
- Find all real and complex zeros of →
- Higher degree lists, quartics, a repeated zero
- Find all rational zeros: →