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 16
Textbook Question
In Exercises 16–17, 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. f(x) = -2(x - 1)(x + 2)^2(x+5)^2
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1
Identify the zeros of the polynomial by setting each factor equal to zero: \(x - 1 = 0\), \((x + 2)^2 = 0\), and \((x + 5)^2 = 0\).
Solve each equation to find the zeros: \(x = 1\), \(x = -2\), and \(x = -5\).
Determine the multiplicity of each zero: \(x = 1\) has a multiplicity of 1, \(x = -2\) has a multiplicity of 2, and \(x = -5\) has a multiplicity of 2.
Analyze the behavior of the graph at each zero: If the multiplicity is odd, 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.
Conclude the behavior: The graph crosses the x-axis at \(x = 1\) and touches the x-axis and turns around at \(x = -2\) and \(x = -5\).
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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
The zeros of a polynomial function are the values of x for which the function equals zero. These points are crucial for understanding the behavior of the graph, as they indicate where the graph intersects or touches the x-axis. To find the zeros, one typically sets the polynomial equal to zero and solves for x.
Recommended video:
Finding Zeros & Their Multiplicity
Multiplicity of Zeros
Multiplicity refers to the number of times a particular zero appears as a factor in the polynomial. If a zero has an odd multiplicity, the graph will cross the x-axis at that zero. Conversely, if a zero has an even multiplicity, the graph will touch the x-axis and turn around at that point, indicating a change in direction without crossing.
Recommended video:
Finding Zeros & Their Multiplicity
Graph Behavior at Zeros
The behavior of a polynomial graph at its zeros is determined by the multiplicity of each zero. For zeros with odd multiplicity, the graph crosses the x-axis, while for those with even multiplicity, it merely touches the x-axis. Understanding this behavior helps in sketching the graph and predicting how it will interact with the x-axis at each zero.
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Identifying Intervals of Unknown Behavior
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