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Ch. 3 - Polynomial and Rational Functions
Chapter 4, Problem 106

Find all complex zeros of each polynomial function. Give exact values. List multiple zeros as necessary.* ƒ(x)=4x^3+3x^2+8x+6

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1
Identify the polynomial function: \( f(x) = 4x^3 + 3x^2 + 8x + 6 \).
Use the Rational Root Theorem to list possible rational roots, which are the factors of the constant term (6) divided by the factors of the leading coefficient (4).
Test each possible rational root by substituting them into the polynomial to see if they yield zero, indicating a root.
Once a root is found, use polynomial division (synthetic or long division) to divide the polynomial by \( x - \text{root} \) to reduce the polynomial's degree.
Solve the resulting quadratic equation using the quadratic formula or factoring to find the remaining complex roots.

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Key Concepts

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

Complex Zeros

Complex zeros are solutions to polynomial equations that may include imaginary numbers. A complex zero can be expressed in the form a + bi, where a and b are real numbers, and i is the imaginary unit. Understanding complex zeros is essential for analyzing polynomial functions, especially when the polynomial does not have real roots.
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Polynomial Functions

A polynomial function is a mathematical expression involving a sum of powers in one or more variables multiplied by coefficients. The degree of the polynomial, determined by the highest power of the variable, influences the number of zeros it can have. For example, a cubic polynomial like ƒ(x) = 4x^3 + 3x^2 + 8x + 6 can have up to three zeros, which may be real or complex.
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Finding Zeros

Finding the zeros of a polynomial involves determining the values of x for which the polynomial equals zero. This can be achieved through various methods, including factoring, synthetic division, or applying the Rational Root Theorem. For polynomials of higher degrees, such as cubic functions, the use of the cubic formula or numerical methods may be necessary to find all zeros, including complex ones.
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