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Ch. 3 - Polynomial and Rational Functions
Chapter 4, Problem 94

Determine the different possibilities for the numbers of positive, negative, and nonreal complex zeros of each function. See Example 7. ƒ(x)=-2x^5+10x^4-6x^3+8x^2-x+1

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Identify the degree of the polynomial function, which is the highest power of x. In this case, the degree is 5.
Apply the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra, which states that a polynomial of degree n has exactly n roots, counting multiplicities and including complex roots.
Use Descartes' Rule of Signs to determine the possible number of positive real zeros. Count the number of sign changes in the coefficients of f(x).
To find the possible number of negative real zeros, apply Descartes' Rule of Signs to f(-x) by substituting -x for x in the polynomial and counting the sign changes.
Consider the possibility of nonreal complex zeros. Remember that complex zeros occur in conjugate pairs, so the number of nonreal complex zeros must be even.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Fundamental Theorem of Algebra

The Fundamental Theorem of Algebra states that every non-constant polynomial function of degree n has exactly n roots in the complex number system, counting multiplicities. This means that for a polynomial like ƒ(x) = -2x^5 + 10x^4 - 6x^3 + 8x^2 - x + 1, there will be five roots, which can be real or complex.
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Descarte's Rule of Signs

Descarte's Rule of Signs provides a method to determine the number of positive and negative real roots of a polynomial by analyzing the sign changes in the coefficients. For positive roots, count the sign changes in ƒ(x), and for negative roots, evaluate ƒ(-x) and count the sign changes. This helps in predicting the nature of the roots.
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Complex Conjugate Root Theorem

The Complex Conjugate Root Theorem states that if a polynomial has real coefficients, any nonreal complex roots must occur in conjugate pairs. This means if a + bi is a root, then a - bi is also a root. This theorem is essential for understanding the distribution of roots when analyzing polynomials with real coefficients.
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Related Practice
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The following exercises are geometric in nature and lead to polynomial models. Solve each problem. A standard piece of notebook paper measuring 8.5 in. by 11 in. is to be made into a box with an open top by cutting equal-size squares from each cor-ner and folding up the sides. Let x represent the length of a side of each such square in inches. Use the table feature of a graphing calculator to do the following. Round to the nearest hundredth. Find the maximum volume of the box.
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Textbook Question
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