Determine the different possibilities for the numbers of positive, negative, and nonreal complex zeros of each function. See Example 7. ƒ(x)=x3+2x2+x-10
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 95
Textbook Question
Find all complex zeros of each polynomial function. Give exact values. List multiple zeros as necessary.* ƒ(x)=x4+2x3-3x2+24x-180
Verified step by step guidance1
Start by writing down the polynomial function: \(f(x) = x^4 + 2x^3 - 3x^2 + 24x - 180\).
Look for possible rational zeros using the Rational Root Theorem. The possible rational zeros are factors of the constant term (\(-180\)) divided by factors of the leading coefficient (which is 1). So, possible rational zeros are \(\pm 1, \pm 2, \pm 3, \pm 5, \pm 6, \pm 9, \pm 10, \pm 15, \pm 18, \pm 30, \pm 45, \pm 60, \pm 90, \pm 180\).
Test these possible rational zeros by substituting them into the polynomial or by using synthetic division to find which values make the polynomial equal to zero. Each successful root will help factor the polynomial.
Once a root \(r\) is found, factor out \((x - r)\) from the polynomial using polynomial division or synthetic division to reduce the polynomial to a cubic or quadratic.
Repeat the process of finding zeros for the reduced polynomial until it is factored completely into linear and/or quadratic factors. Then solve the quadratic factors using the quadratic formula if necessary to find all complex zeros.
Verified video answer for a similar problem:This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
8mPlay a video:
Was this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Complex Zeros of Polynomial Functions
Complex zeros are the values of x, including real and non-real complex numbers, that make the polynomial equal to zero. According to the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra, a polynomial of degree n has exactly n complex zeros, counting multiplicities. Finding these zeros involves solving the polynomial equation ƒ(x) = 0.
Recommended video:
Complex Conjugates
Polynomial Division and Factoring
Factoring polynomials or using polynomial division (such as synthetic or long division) helps break down higher-degree polynomials into simpler factors. This process is essential to identify zeros by reducing the polynomial to linear or quadratic factors, which can then be solved more easily.
Recommended video:
Guided course
Introduction to Factoring Polynomials
Quadratic Formula and Solving Quadratics
When a polynomial is factored into quadratic expressions that cannot be factored further, the quadratic formula is used to find the roots. The formula x = (-b ± √(b² - 4ac)) / 2a provides exact solutions, including complex roots when the discriminant is negative.
Recommended video:
Solving Quadratic Equations Using The Quadratic Formula
Related Videos
Related Practice
Textbook Question
398
views
