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 87
Textbook Question
Determine the different possibilities for the numbers of positive, negative, and nonreal complex zeros of each function. See Example 7. ƒ(x)=x^5+3x^4-x^3+2x+3
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1
Use the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra to determine that the polynomial \( f(x) = x^5 + 3x^4 - x^3 + 2x + 3 \) has exactly 5 zeros, considering multiplicity.
Apply Descartes' Rule of Signs to determine the possible number of positive real zeros by counting the number of sign changes in \( f(x) \).
For \( f(x) = x^5 + 3x^4 - x^3 + 2x + 3 \), observe the sign changes: \(+, +, -, +, +\), which indicates 2 sign changes, suggesting 2 or 0 positive real zeros.
Apply Descartes' Rule of Signs to \( f(-x) \) to determine the possible number of negative real zeros. Calculate \( f(-x) = (-x)^5 + 3(-x)^4 - (-x)^3 + 2(-x) + 3 \) and observe the sign changes.
For \( f(-x) = -x^5 + 3x^4 + x^3 - 2x + 3 \), observe the sign changes: \(-, +, +, -, +\), which indicates 3 sign changes, suggesting 3 or 1 negative real zeros.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Fundamental Theorem of Algebra
The Fundamental Theorem of Algebra states that every non-constant polynomial function of degree n has exactly n roots in the complex number system, counting multiplicities. This means that for the polynomial given, which is of degree 5, there will be a total of 5 roots, which can be real or complex.
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Descarte's Rule of Signs
Descarte's Rule of Signs provides a method to determine the number of positive and negative real roots of a polynomial by analyzing the sign changes in the function's coefficients. For positive roots, count the sign changes in f(x), and for negative roots, count the sign changes in f(-x). This helps in predicting the nature of the roots.
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Cramer's Rule - 2 Equations with 2 Unknowns
Complex Conjugate Root Theorem
The Complex Conjugate Root Theorem states that if a polynomial has real coefficients, any nonreal complex roots must occur in conjugate pairs. This means that if a polynomial has a complex root of the form a + bi, it must also have a corresponding root of a - bi, which is crucial for determining the total number of real and nonreal roots.
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