Show that the real zeros of each polynomial function satisfy the given conditions. ƒ(x)=x4-x3+3x2-8x+8; no real zero greater than 2
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- 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
Understanding Polynomial Functions
Problem 59
Textbook Question
Show that the real zeros of each polynomial function satisfy the given conditions. ƒ(x)=x4+x3-x2+3; no real zero less than -2
Verified step by step guidance1
First, understand the problem: we need to show that any real zero \( x \) of the polynomial function \( f(x) = x^4 + x^3 - x^2 + 3 \) is not less than \( -2 \). In other words, if \( f(x) = 0 \), then \( x \geq -2 \).
Evaluate the polynomial at \( x = -2 \) to check the value of \( f(-2) \). This helps determine if \( -2 \) is a root or if the function changes sign around this point. Write \( f(-2) = (-2)^4 + (-2)^3 - (-2)^2 + 3 \).
Analyze the behavior of \( f(x) \) for values less than \( -2 \). For example, pick a test value such as \( x = -3 \) and compute \( f(-3) \) to see if the function is positive or negative there. This helps identify if the function crosses the x-axis to the left of \( -2 \).
Use the Intermediate Value Theorem: if \( f(x) \) does not change sign between \( -10 \) and \( -2 \) (or any interval to the left of \( -2 \)), then there are no real zeros less than \( -2 \).
Optionally, analyze the derivative \( f'(x) \) to understand the shape and monotonicity of the polynomial on the interval \( (-1 ext{, } -2) \), which can support the conclusion about the location of zeros.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
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 for which the function equals zero. Understanding how to find and interpret these zeros is essential for analyzing the behavior of the function.
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Finding Zeros & Their Multiplicity
Evaluating Polynomial Values at Specific Points
Evaluating a polynomial at a given point involves substituting the value into the function and calculating the result. This helps determine whether the function crosses the x-axis at or near that point, which is useful for verifying conditions about the location of zeros.
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Maximum Turning Points of a Polynomial Function
Using Inequalities to Bound Zeros
Inequalities can be used to establish intervals where zeros of a polynomial may or may not exist. By testing values and applying the Intermediate Value Theorem or sign analysis, one can show that no real zeros lie below or above a certain number, as required in the problem.
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