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 86
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 \(f(x) = 6x^4 + 2x^3 + 9x^2 + x + 5\). The degree is 4, so there are 4 zeros in total (counting multiplicities and complex zeros).
Use Descartes' Rule of Signs to determine the possible number of positive real zeros by counting the sign changes in \(f(x)\). Write down the signs of the coefficients: \$6, +2, +9, +1, +5$ and count how many times the sign changes from positive to negative or vice versa.
Apply Descartes' Rule of Signs to \(f(-x)\) to find the possible number of negative real zeros. Substitute \(-x\) into the function and simplify to get \(f(-x) = 6x^4 - 2x^3 + 9x^2 - x + 5\). Then count the sign changes in this new polynomial.
List the possible numbers of positive and negative real zeros based on the counts from steps 2 and 3. Remember that the number of positive or negative zeros can be the number of sign changes or less than that by an even number (e.g., if there are 2 sign changes, possible zeros are 2 or 0).
Determine the number of nonreal complex zeros by subtracting the total number of positive and negative real zeros from the degree of the polynomial (4). The remaining zeros must be nonreal complex zeros, which come in conjugate pairs.
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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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Introduction to Algebraic Expressions
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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