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 33b
Textbook Question
For each polynomial function, one zero is given. Find all other zeros. See Examples 2 and 6. ƒ(x)=x^3-x^2-4x-6; 3
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1
Given that one zero of the polynomial function $f(x) = x^3 - x^2 - 4x - 6$ is 3, substitute $x = 3$ into the polynomial to verify if it satisfies $f(3) = 0$.
Perform synthetic division using the zero 3 to divide the polynomial $x^3 - x^2 - 4x - 6$. This will help in reducing the polynomial to a quadratic equation.
Write down the quadratic equation obtained from the synthetic division.
Solve the quadratic equation using the quadratic formula $x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}$, where $a$, $b$, and $c$ are the coefficients of the quadratic equation.
The solutions to the quadratic equation will be the other zeros of the original polynomial function.
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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 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 the structure of polynomial functions is essential for analyzing their zeros, which are the values of 'x' that make the function equal to zero.
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Zeros of a Polynomial
The zeros of a polynomial function are the values of 'x' for which the function 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 reduce the polynomial's degree, making it easier to find the remaining zeros through further factorization or application of the quadratic formula if applicable.
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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 when one zero is known, as it allows for the quick reduction of the polynomial's degree. The result of synthetic division is a new polynomial whose zeros can be further analyzed.
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