For each polynomial function, find all zeros and their multiplicities.
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 82
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 \(f(x) = 3x^3 + 6x^2 + x + 7\). Since the highest power of \(x\) is 3, the polynomial is cubic and has exactly 3 zeros (counting multiplicities and including complex zeros).
Use Descartes' Rule of Signs to determine the possible number of positive real zeros. Count the number of sign changes in \(f(x) = 3x^3 + 6x^2 + x + 7\). Since all coefficients are positive, there are no sign changes, so there are 0 positive real zeros.
Apply Descartes' Rule of Signs to \(f(-x)\) to find the possible number of negative real zeros. Compute \(f(-x) = 3(-x)^3 + 6(-x)^2 + (-x) + 7 = -3x^3 + 6x^2 - x + 7\). Count the sign changes in this expression to determine the possible number of negative real zeros.
Based on the number of positive and negative real zeros found, use the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra to determine the number of nonreal complex zeros. Remember that the total number of zeros (real and nonreal) must be 3.
Summarize the possible combinations of positive, negative, and nonreal zeros based on the above analysis, considering that the number of positive and negative zeros can decrease by even numbers according to Descartes' Rule of Signs.
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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 cubic function, there are three 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.
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Cramer's Rule - 2 Equations with 2 Unknowns
Complex Conjugate Root Theorem
For polynomials with real coefficients, any nonreal complex roots occur in conjugate pairs. This means if a + bi is a root, then a - bi is also a root, which affects the count of nonreal zeros.
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