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 52
Textbook Question
For each polynomial function, find all zeros and their multiplicities. ƒ(x)=(2x^2-7x+3)^3(x-2-√5)
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1
Identify the factors of the polynomial function: \( f(x) = (2x^2 - 7x + 3)^3 (x - 2 - \sqrt{5}) \).
Find the zeros of the quadratic factor \( 2x^2 - 7x + 3 \) by using the quadratic formula: \( x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a} \), where \( a = 2 \), \( b = -7 \), and \( c = 3 \).
Calculate the discriminant \( b^2 - 4ac \) to determine the nature of the roots for \( 2x^2 - 7x + 3 \).
Solve for the zeros of the linear factor \( x - 2 - \sqrt{5} = 0 \) by isolating \( x \).
Determine the multiplicities of each zero: the zeros from \( 2x^2 - 7x + 3 \) have a multiplicity of 3, and the zero from \( x - 2 - \sqrt{5} \) has a multiplicity of 1.
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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 finding their zeros.
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Introduction to Polynomial Functions
Zeros of a Polynomial
The zeros of a polynomial function are the values of 'x' for which the function evaluates to zero, i.e., f(x) = 0. These points are crucial as they represent the x-intercepts of the graph of the polynomial. The multiplicity of a zero indicates how many times that zero is repeated as a root, affecting the shape of the graph at that point.
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Multiplicity of Zeros
Multiplicity refers to the number of times a particular zero appears as a root of a polynomial. If a zero has an odd multiplicity, the graph will cross the x-axis at that zero, while an even multiplicity means the graph will touch the x-axis and turn around. Understanding multiplicity helps in predicting the behavior of the polynomial function near its zeros.
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