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 51b
Textbook Question
For each polynomial function, find all zeros and their multiplicities. ƒ(x)=(x^2+x-2)^5(x-1+√3)^2
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Step 1: Identify the factors of the polynomial function \( f(x) = (x^2 + x - 2)^5 (x - 1 + \sqrt{3})^2 \).
Step 2: Find the zeros of the first factor \( x^2 + x - 2 \) by solving the equation \( x^2 + x - 2 = 0 \).
Step 3: Factor \( x^2 + x - 2 \) into \( (x - 1)(x + 2) \) to find the zeros \( x = 1 \) and \( x = -2 \).
Step 4: Determine the multiplicity of each zero from the first factor: \( x = 1 \) and \( x = -2 \) both have a multiplicity of 5.
Step 5: Find the zero of the second factor \( x - 1 + \sqrt{3} = 0 \), which is \( x = 1 - \sqrt{3} \), and note its multiplicity of 2.
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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 polynomial functions is crucial for analyzing their behavior, including finding zeros.
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Zeros of a Polynomial
The zeros of a polynomial function are the values of 'x' for which the function equals zero. These points are also known as roots and can be found by factoring the polynomial or using the quadratic formula for second-degree polynomials. Each zero can have a multiplicity, indicating how many times it is repeated as a root.
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Multiplicity of Zeros
Multiplicity refers to the number of times a particular zero appears in the factorization of a polynomial. If a zero has an odd multiplicity, the graph of the polynomial will cross the x-axis at that zero, while an even multiplicity means the graph will touch the x-axis and turn around. Understanding multiplicity is essential for sketching the graph of the polynomial and predicting its behavior near the zeros.
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