Maths & numbers
Polynomial evaluator
Evaluate a coefficient list and its derivative using Horner arithmetic.
A clear answer. Here’s how.
Treats coefficients as descending powers, including the constant term. Horner evaluation reduces intermediate multiplications. Also differentiates the coefficient list and evaluates that polynomial at the same X. At most degree 20, coefficients within ±1 trillion and X within ±1 million. Uses floating-point arithmetic and rejects non-finite intermediate values.
See a worked example
Worked example
A fixed demonstration, separate from the values you enter above.
- Coefficients: highest power first
- 1, -3, 2
- Evaluate at X
- 4
Example result
- Polynomial value
- 6
- Derivative at X
- 5
- Degree (after leading zeros)
- 2