Couple Question

Hi,
How do I reduce the polygon count in Max?  Is there a modifier?
Also, each shape has information about the position of its vertexes and about
the rotation and translation of the whole shape.  How do I change that, so that
the shape stays the same, but has the values of zero for its rotation and
translation(with those attributes being reflected in the vertexes).  i.e. the
position and orientation of the shape is described only by its ve