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 36
Textbook Question
For each polynomial function, one zero is given. Find all other zeros. See Examples 2 and 6. ƒ(x)=4x^3+6x^2-2x-1; 1/2
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1
Step 1: Use the given zero, x = 1/2, to perform synthetic division on the polynomial ƒ(x) = 4x^3 + 6x^2 - 2x - 1. Set up the synthetic division by placing 1/2 to the left and the coefficients of the polynomial (4, 6, -2, -1) to the right.
Step 2: Carry out the synthetic division process. Multiply the divisor (1/2) by the first number in the row, add this result to the second coefficient, and continue this process across the row.
Step 3: The result of the synthetic division will give you a new polynomial of one degree less than the original. The remainder should be zero, confirming that x = 1/2 is indeed a zero of the polynomial.
Step 4: The quotient from the synthetic division represents a quadratic polynomial. Set this quadratic polynomial equal to zero and solve for x using the quadratic formula, x = (-b ± sqrt(b^2 - 4ac)) / (2a).
Step 5: The solutions from the quadratic formula will give you the other zeros of the original polynomial. Combine these with the given zero, x = 1/2, to list all zeros of the polynomial.
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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' are constants. Understanding the structure of polynomial functions is essential for analyzing their zeros.
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Zeros of a Polynomial
The zeros (or roots) of a polynomial are the values of 'x' for which the polynomial evaluates to zero. These can be found using various methods, including factoring, synthetic division, or the Rational Root Theorem. Knowing one zero allows us to simplify the polynomial, making it easier to find the remaining zeros through division.
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Finding Zeros & Their Multiplicity
Synthetic Division
Synthetic division is a simplified form of polynomial long division that is used to divide a polynomial by a linear factor of the form (x - c). This method is particularly useful for finding other zeros of a polynomial once one zero is known, as it reduces the degree of the polynomial, allowing for easier computation of remaining roots.
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