Exercises 53–60 show incomplete graphs of given polynomial functions. a) Find all the zeros of each function. b) Without using a graphing utility, draw a complete graph of the function. f(x)=3x5+2x4−15x3−10x2+12x+8
Table of contents
- 0. Review of Algebra4h 18m
- 1. Equations & Inequalities3h 18m
- 2. Graphs of Equations1h 43m
- 3. Functions2h 17m
- 4. Polynomial Functions1h 44m
- 5. Rational Functions1h 23m
- 6. Exponential & Logarithmic Functions2h 28m
- 7. Systems of Equations & Matrices4h 5m
- 8. Conic Sections2h 23m
- 9. Sequences, Series, & Induction1h 22m
- 10. Combinatorics & Probability1h 45m
4. Polynomial Functions
Zeros of Polynomial Functions
Problem 87
Textbook Question
Determine the different possibilities for the numbers of positive, negative, and nonreal complex zeros of each function.
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the degree of the polynomial function. Here, the degree is 5, so there are 5 zeros in total (counting multiplicities and including complex zeros).
Use Descartes' Rule of Signs to determine the possible number of positive real zeros by counting the sign changes in ƒ(x) = x^5 + 3x^4 - x^3 + 2x + 3. Each sign change indicates a possible positive zero or fewer by an even number.
Apply Descartes' Rule of Signs to ƒ(-x) to find the possible number of negative real zeros. Substitute -x into the polynomial and count the sign changes in the resulting expression.
Determine the possible number of nonreal complex zeros by subtracting the possible number of positive and negative real zeros from the total degree (5). Remember that complex zeros come in conjugate pairs, so the number of nonreal zeros must be even.
List all combinations of positive, negative, and nonreal zeros that satisfy the above conditions, ensuring the total number of zeros sums to 5.
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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
This theorem states that a polynomial of degree n has exactly n roots in the complex number system, counting multiplicities. For the given fifth-degree polynomial, there are five zeros total, which can be real or nonreal complex numbers.
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Descartes' Rule of Signs
Descartes' Rule of Signs helps determine the possible number of positive and negative real zeros of a polynomial by counting sign changes in f(x) and f(-x). It provides the maximum number of positive and negative roots and their possible variations.
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Cramer's Rule - 2 Equations with 2 Unknowns
Complex Conjugate Root Theorem
This theorem states that nonreal complex roots of polynomials with real coefficients occur in conjugate pairs. Therefore, the number of nonreal zeros must be even, which restricts the possible counts of nonreal roots for the polynomial.
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