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)=4x3−8x2−3x+9
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 85
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 function is \(f(x) = -8x^4 + 3x^3 - 6x^2 + 5x - 7\), which is a 4th degree polynomial.
Use the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra, which states that a polynomial of degree \(n\) has exactly \(n\) roots (zeros) in the complex number system, counting multiplicities. So, there are 4 zeros in total.
Apply Descartes' Rule of Signs to determine the possible number of positive real zeros. Count the number of sign changes in \(f(x)\): from \(-8x^4\) to \(+3x^3\) (change), \(+3x^3\) to \(-6x^2\) (change), \(-6x^2\) to \(+5x\) (change), \(+5x\) to \(-7\) (change). There are 4 sign changes, so the number of positive real zeros is 4, 2, or 0 (decreasing by even numbers).
Apply Descartes' Rule of Signs to \(f(-x)\) to determine the possible number of negative real zeros. Calculate \(f(-x) = -8(-x)^4 + 3(-x)^3 - 6(-x)^2 + 5(-x) - 7\), simplify it, then count the sign changes in \(f(-x)\). The number of negative real zeros is equal to the number of sign changes or less by an even number.
Determine the number of nonreal complex zeros by subtracting the total number of positive and negative real zeros from 4 (the degree). The remaining zeros, if any, are nonreal complex zeros.
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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 quartic polynomial, there are four roots 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 an upper bound on the number of positive and negative roots, aiding in analyzing root distribution.
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Cramer's Rule - 2 Equations with 2 Unknowns
Complex Conjugate Root Theorem
For polynomials with real coefficients, nonreal complex roots occur in conjugate pairs. This means if a + bi is a root, then a - bi is also a root, ensuring the total number of nonreal roots is even, which helps in determining the possible counts of nonreal zeros.
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