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 25
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; 1 and 5i are zeros; f(-1) = -104
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Identify the zeros of the polynomial. Since 1 and 5i are zeros and the coefficients are real, the conjugate of 5i, which is -5i, must also be a zero.
Write the polynomial in factored form using the zeros: \( f(x) = a(x - 1)(x - 5i)(x + 5i) \).
Simplify the factors involving complex numbers: \((x - 5i)(x + 5i) = x^2 + 25\).
Substitute back into the polynomial: \( f(x) = a(x - 1)(x^2 + 25) \).
Use the condition \( f(-1) = -104 \) to find the value of \( a \). Substitute \( x = -1 \) into the polynomial and solve for \( a \).
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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 degree of the polynomial is determined by the highest power of the variable. In this case, we are dealing with a third-degree polynomial, which can have up to three real or complex roots.
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Introduction to Polynomial Functions
Complex Zeros and Conjugate Pairs
In polynomial functions with real coefficients, complex zeros must occur in conjugate pairs. This means that if 5i is a zero, its conjugate -5i must also be a zero. Therefore, the polynomial will have the zeros 1, 5i, and -5i, which are essential for constructing the polynomial function.
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Complex Conjugates
Evaluating Polynomial Functions
To find a specific polynomial function that meets given conditions, we can use the zeros to construct the polynomial and then apply the conditions, such as f(-1) = -104. This involves substituting -1 into the polynomial and solving for any unknown coefficients to ensure the function meets the specified value.
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Introduction to Polynomial Functions
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