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 55
Textbook Question
Exercises 53–60 show incomplete graphs of given polynomial functions. a) Find all the zeros of each function. b) Without using a graphing utility, draw a complete graph of the function. f(x)=4x^3−8x^2−3x+9
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1
Identify the degree of the polynomial function \( f(x) = 4x^3 - 8x^2 - 3x + 9 \). The degree is 3, indicating there are 3 roots or zeros.
Use the Rational Root Theorem to list possible rational zeros. These are the factors of the constant term (9) divided by the factors of the leading coefficient (4).
Test the possible rational zeros using synthetic division or direct substitution to find actual zeros of the polynomial.
Once a zero is found, use polynomial division to factor the polynomial and reduce its degree. Repeat the process to find all zeros.
Sketch the graph using the zeros found, considering the end behavior of the polynomial based on its degree and leading coefficient. The graph should cross the x-axis at each zero and reflect the cubic nature of the 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 of a polynomial in one variable 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' are constants. Understanding the structure of polynomial functions is essential for analyzing their behavior, including finding zeros and graphing.
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Finding Zeros
The zeros of a polynomial function are the values of 'x' for which f(x) = 0. These points are crucial as they indicate where the graph intersects the x-axis. To find the zeros, one can use methods such as factoring, the Rational Root Theorem, or synthetic division. Identifying these zeros helps in sketching the complete graph of the polynomial.
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Graphing Polynomials
Graphing a polynomial involves plotting its zeros and analyzing its end behavior, which is determined by the leading term. The degree of the polynomial indicates the number of turns in the graph, while the sign of the leading coefficient affects whether the ends of the graph rise or fall. A complete graph includes all critical points, such as local maxima and minima, and provides a visual representation of the function's behavior across its domain.
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