Find a polynomial function ƒ(x) of least degree with real coefficients having zeros as given. √3, -√3, 2, 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 31
Textbook Question
Factor into linear factors given that k is a zero. (multiplicity )
Verified step by step guidance1
Since \( k = -2 \) is a zero of multiplicity 2, it means \( (x + 2)^2 \) is a factor of \( f(x) \). Start by dividing \( f(x) = x^4 + 2x^3 - 7x^2 - 20x - 12 \) by \( (x + 2)^2 \) to find the remaining quadratic factor.
First, perform polynomial division or synthetic division to divide \( f(x) \) by \( (x + 2) \) once. This will give you a cubic polynomial as the quotient.
Next, divide the cubic polynomial obtained in the previous step by \( (x + 2) \) again, since the multiplicity is 2. This will yield a quadratic polynomial as the quotient.
Now, you have factored \( f(x) \) as \( (x + 2)^2 \) times the quadratic polynomial found. The next step is to factor this quadratic polynomial into linear factors, if possible, by using methods such as factoring by inspection, completing the square, or the quadratic formula.
Finally, write the complete factorization of \( f(x) \) as the product of \( (x + 2)^2 \) and the linear factors obtained from the quadratic polynomial.
Verified video answer for a similar problem:This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
12mPlay a video:
Was this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Polynomial Zeros and Multiplicity
A zero of a polynomial is a value of x that makes the polynomial equal to zero. Multiplicity refers to how many times a particular zero is repeated as a root. For example, if k = -2 is a zero with multiplicity 2, then (x + 2)² is a factor of the polynomial.
Recommended video:
Finding Zeros & Their Multiplicity
Polynomial Division (Synthetic or Long Division)
Polynomial division is used to divide a polynomial by a linear factor corresponding to a known zero. Synthetic division is a shortcut method for dividing by linear factors of the form (x - k). This process helps reduce the polynomial's degree and find remaining factors.
Recommended video:
Guided course
Introduction to Factoring Polynomials
Factoring Polynomials into Linear Factors
Factoring a polynomial into linear factors means expressing it as a product of first-degree polynomials. Once zeros and their multiplicities are identified, the polynomial can be written as a product of factors like (x - k)^m, where m is the multiplicity. This fully factors the polynomial over the real or complex numbers.
Recommended video:
Guided course
Introduction to Factoring Polynomials
Related Videos
Related Practice
Textbook Question
458
views
