Show that each polynomial function has a real zero as described in parts (a) and (b). In Exercises 31 and 32, also work part (c). ƒ(x)=3x^3-8x^2+x+2 between 2 and 3
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 37
Textbook Question
In Exercises 33–38, use Descartes's Rule of Signs to determine the possible number of positive and negative real zeros for each given function. f(x)=2x4−5x3−x2−6x+4
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the polynomial function: .
Apply Descartes's Rule of Signs to find the possible number of positive real zeros by counting the sign changes in : Examine the coefficients of the terms in order: +2, -5, -1, -6, +4. Count how many times the sign changes from positive to negative or negative to positive.
Apply Descartes's Rule of Signs to find the possible number of negative real zeros by evaluating : Substitute into the function and simplify the signs of each term. Then count the sign changes in the resulting polynomial.
List the possible numbers of positive real zeros as the number of sign changes or less than that by an even number (e.g., if 3 sign changes, possible positive zeros are 3 or 1).
Similarly, list the possible numbers of negative real zeros as the number of sign changes in or less than that by an even number.
Verified video answer for a similar problem:This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
3mPlay a video:
Was this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Descartes's Rule of Signs
Descartes's Rule of Signs is a method used to determine the possible number of positive and negative real zeros of a polynomial function by counting the sign changes in the coefficients. The number of positive real zeros is equal to the number of sign changes in f(x) or less than that by an even number. For negative zeros, the rule is applied to f(-x).
Recommended video:
Guided course
Cramer's Rule - 2 Equations with 2 Unknowns
Polynomial Functions and Their Zeros
A polynomial function is an expression involving variables raised to whole-number exponents with coefficients. The zeros of a polynomial are the values of x that make the function equal to zero. Understanding the degree and coefficients helps in analyzing the behavior and number of possible real roots.
Recommended video:
Finding Zeros & Their Multiplicity
Evaluating f(-x) for Negative Zeros
To find the possible number of negative real zeros using Descartes's Rule of Signs, substitute -x into the polynomial and simplify. Then count the sign changes in the coefficients of f(-x). This process helps identify how many negative roots the polynomial may have.
Recommended video:
Guided course
Zero and Negative Rules
Related Videos
Related Practice
Textbook Question
282
views
