Skip to main content
Ch. 3 - Polynomial and Rational Functions
Chapter 4, Problem 92

Determine the different possibilities for the numbers of positive, negative, and nonreal complex zeros of each function. See Example 7. ƒ(x)=9x^6-7x^4+8x^2+x+6

Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the degree of the polynomial function, which is the highest power of x. Here, the degree is 6.
According to the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra, 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 polynomial f(x).
Apply Descartes' Rule of Signs to f(-x) to determine the possible number of negative real zeros. Count the number of sign changes in f(-x).
Subtract the total number of positive and negative real zeros from the degree of the polynomial to find the possible number of nonreal complex zeros.

Verified Solution

Video duration:
6m
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Was this helpful?

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)=9x^6-7x^4+8x^2+x+6, there will be six roots, which can be real or complex.
Recommended video:
Guided course
05:09
Introduction to Algebraic Expressions

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 there. This helps in predicting the nature of the roots.
Recommended video:
Guided course
6:54
Cramer's Rule - 2 Equations with 2 Unknowns

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 polynomial has a complex root a + bi, then its conjugate a - bi is also a root. This theorem is essential for understanding the distribution of roots when analyzing polynomials.
Recommended video:
05:33
Complex Conjugates