Solve each polynomial inequality in Exercises 1–42 and graph the solution set on a real number line. Express each solution set in interval notation.
Ch. 3 - Polynomial and Rational Functions

Chapter 4, Problem 16
Find the zeros for each polynomial function and give the multiplicity of each zero. State whether the graph crosses the x-axis, or touches the x-axis and turns around, at each zero.
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Identify the zeros of the polynomial by setting each factor equal to zero: solve \(x - 1 = 0\), \(x + 2 = 0\), and \(x + 5 = 0\) to find the zeros.
Determine the multiplicity of each zero by looking at the exponent on each factor: the factor \((x - 1)\) has multiplicity 1, \((x + 2)^2\) has multiplicity 2, and \((x + 5)^2\) has multiplicity 2.
Recall that if a zero has an odd multiplicity, the graph crosses the x-axis at that zero; if the multiplicity is even, the graph touches the x-axis and turns around at that zero.
Summarize the behavior at each zero: for \(x = 1\) (multiplicity 1), the graph crosses the x-axis; for \(x = -2\) and \(x = -5\) (both multiplicity 2), the graph touches and turns around at the x-axis.
Combine all this information to describe the zeros, their multiplicities, and the behavior of the graph at each zero.

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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Zeros of a Polynomial Function
Zeros of a polynomial are the values of x that make the function equal to zero. They correspond to the x-intercepts of the graph. To find zeros, set the polynomial equal to zero and solve for x, often by factoring or using given factored form.
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Finding Zeros & Their Multiplicity
Multiplicity of Zeros
Multiplicity refers to how many times a particular zero appears as a factor in the polynomial. If a zero has even multiplicity, the graph touches the x-axis and turns around at that zero. If the multiplicity is odd, the graph crosses the x-axis at that zero.
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Finding Zeros & Their Multiplicity
Behavior of Graph at Zeros
The graph's behavior at each zero depends on the zero's multiplicity. For odd multiplicity, the graph crosses the x-axis, indicating a sign change. For even multiplicity, the graph only touches the axis and reverses direction, showing no sign change.
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