Table of contents
- 0. Review of Algebra4h 16m
- 1. Equations & Inequalities3h 18m
- 2. Graphs of Equations43m
- 3. Functions2h 17m
- 4. Polynomial Functions1h 44m
- 5. Rational Functions1h 23m
- 6. Exponential & Logarithmic Functions2h 28m
- 7. Systems of Equations & Matrices4h 6m
- 8. Conic Sections2h 23m
- 9. Sequences, Series, & Induction1h 19m
- 10. Combinatorics & Probability1h 45m
4. Polynomial Functions
Zeros of Polynomial Functions
Problem 27
Textbook Question
In Exercises 25–32, find an nth-degree polynomial function with real coefficients satisfying the given conditions. If you are using a graphing utility, use it to graph the function and verify the real zeros and the given function value. n=3; -5 and 4+3i are zeros; f(2) = 91
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insert step 1: Understand that a polynomial of degree n=3 will have 3 roots. Since the coefficients are real, complex roots must occur in conjugate pairs. Therefore, if 4+3i is a root, its conjugate 4-3i must also be a root.
insert step 2: List the roots of the polynomial: -5, 4+3i, and 4-3i.
insert step 3: Write the polynomial in its factored form using the roots: f(x) = a(x + 5)(x - (4+3i))(x - (4-3i)).
insert step 4: Simplify the factors involving complex numbers: (x - (4+3i))(x - (4-3i)) = (x - 4)^2 - (3i)^2 = (x - 4)^2 + 9.
insert step 5: Expand the polynomial: f(x) = a(x + 5)((x - 4)^2 + 9) and use the condition f(2) = 91 to find the value of 'a'.
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Key Concepts
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 is not zero. Understanding polynomial functions is crucial for identifying their properties, such as degree, zeros, and behavior at infinity.
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Complex Zeros and Conjugate Pairs
In polynomial functions with real coefficients, complex zeros occur in conjugate pairs. This means that if a polynomial has a complex zero of the form a + bi, where a and b are real numbers, then its conjugate a - bi is also a zero. This property is essential for constructing the polynomial when given complex zeros, as it ensures that the polynomial remains a real-valued function.
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Complex Conjugates
Evaluating Polynomial Functions
Evaluating a polynomial function at a specific point involves substituting the value of the variable into the polynomial expression and simplifying. This process is important for verifying conditions such as f(2) = 91 in the given problem. Understanding how to evaluate polynomials helps in confirming that the constructed polynomial meets the specified criteria and behaves as expected at certain points.
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