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 91
Textbook Question
Determine the different possibilities for the numbers of positive, negative, and nonreal complex zeros of each function. See Example 7. ƒ(x)=5x^6-6x^5+7x^3-4x^2+x+2

1
Identify the degree of the polynomial, which is 6, indicating there are 6 zeros in total, counting multiplicities and including complex zeros.
Apply Descartes' Rule of Signs to determine the possible number of positive real zeros by counting the sign changes in the polynomial f(x).
Apply Descartes' Rule of Signs to determine the possible number of negative real zeros by substituting x with -x in the polynomial and counting the sign changes in f(-x).
Calculate the possible number of nonreal complex zeros by subtracting the sum of the possible positive and negative real zeros from the total number of zeros, which is 6.
Consider that nonreal complex zeros occur in conjugate pairs, so the number of nonreal complex zeros must be even.
Recommended similar problem, with video answer:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
6mPlay a video:
Was this helpful?
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 a polynomial like f(x) = 5x^6 - 6x^5 + 7x^3 - 4x^2 + x + 2, there will be six roots, which can be real or complex.
Recommended video:
Guided course
Introduction to Algebraic Expressions
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 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 before solving the polynomial.
Recommended video:
Guided course
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 if a + bi is a root, then a - bi is also a root. This theorem is essential for understanding the distribution of roots when analyzing polynomials with real coefficients.
Recommended video:
Complex Conjugates
Related Videos
Related Practice