In Exercises 9–16, a) List all possible rational zeros. b) Use synthetic division to test the possible rational zeros and find an actual zero. c) Use the quotient from part (b) to find the remaining zeros of the polynomial function. f(x)=2x3−3x2−11x+6
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- 2. Graphs of Equations1h 43m
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- 4. Polynomial Functions1h 44m
- 5. Rational Functions1h 23m
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4. Polynomial Functions
Zeros of Polynomial Functions
Problem 32
Textbook Question
Factor into linear factors given that k is a zero. (multiplicity )
Verified step by step guidance1
Since \( k = -1 \) is a zero of multiplicity 3, it means \( (x + 1)^3 \) is a factor of \( f(x) \). Start by dividing \( f(x) = 2x^4 + x^3 - 9x^2 - 13x - 5 \) by \( (x + 1)^3 \) to find the remaining factor.
First, perform polynomial division or synthetic division to divide \( f(x) \) by \( (x + 1) \) three times, each time reducing the degree of the polynomial and confirming the zero at \( x = -1 \).
After dividing by \( (x + 1)^3 \), you will obtain a quotient polynomial of degree 1 (linear factor). Write \( f(x) \) as \( (x + 1)^3 \) times this quotient.
Express the quotient polynomial in standard linear form \( ax + b \). This will complete the factorization of \( f(x) \) into linear factors.
Finally, write the complete factorization as \( f(x) = 2 (x + 1)^3 (ax + b) \), where \( a \) and \( b \) come from the quotient found in the division steps.
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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 = -1 is a zero with multiplicity 3, then (x + 1) is a factor repeated three times in the factorization.
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Polynomial Division (Synthetic or Long Division)
Polynomial division is used to divide a polynomial by a factor corresponding to a known zero. Synthetic division is a shortcut method for dividing by linear factors like (x - k). Repeated division by (x + 1) three times will reduce the polynomial step-by-step, helping to factor it completely.
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Factoring Polynomials into Linear Factors
Factoring a polynomial into linear factors means expressing it as a product of first-degree polynomials. After dividing out the repeated factor (x + 1) three times, the remaining polynomial can be factored further or solved for zeros to complete the factorization into linear terms.
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