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 34
Textbook Question
For each polynomial function, one zero is given. Find all other zeros. See Examples 2 and 6. ƒ(x)=x^3+4x^2-5; 1
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1
Given the polynomial function \\(f(x) = x^3 + 4x^2 - 5\\) and one of its zeros as \\(x = 1\\), substitute \\(x = 1\\) into the polynomial to verify it is a zero.
Perform synthetic division using the zero \\(x = 1\\) on the polynomial \\(f(x)\\). This will help to simplify the polynomial by reducing its degree.
After synthetic division, you will obtain a quadratic equation. Set this quadratic equation equal to zero.
Solve the quadratic equation using the quadratic formula \\(x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}\\) to find the other zeros of the polynomial.
Combine the zero found from the synthetic division and the zeros from solving the quadratic equation to list all zeros of the polynomial 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 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' is not zero. Understanding polynomial functions is crucial for analyzing their behavior, including finding zeros or roots.
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Zeros of a Polynomial
The zeros (or roots) of a polynomial are the values of 'x' for which the polynomial evaluates to zero. For example, if f(x) = 0, then 'x' is a zero of the polynomial. Finding all zeros is essential for understanding the function's graph and behavior, as they indicate where the graph intersects the x-axis.
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Factoring Polynomials
Factoring polynomials involves expressing the polynomial as a product of simpler polynomials. This technique is often used to find zeros, as setting each factor equal to zero can reveal the roots. For example, if a polynomial can be factored into (x - r)(x - s)(x - t), then r, s, and t are the zeros of the polynomial.
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Introduction to Factoring Polynomials