In Exercises 25–26, graph each polynomial function.
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
Understanding Polynomial Functions
Problem 31
Textbook Question
Find the zeros for each polynomial function and give the multiplicity for each zero. State whether the graph crosses the x-axis, or touches the x-axis and turns around, at each zero.
Verified step by step guidance1
First, write down the polynomial function: \(f(x) = x^3 + 7x^2 - 4x - 28\).
Use the Rational Root Theorem to list possible rational zeros. These are factors of the constant term (\(-28\)) divided by factors of the leading coefficient (1), so possible zeros are \(\pm1, \pm2, \pm4, \pm7, \pm14, \pm28\).
Test these possible zeros by substituting them into \(f(x)\) or by using synthetic division to find which values make \(f(x) = 0\). Each value that results in zero is a root (zero) of the polynomial.
Once a zero is found, use polynomial division (synthetic or long division) to divide \(f(x)\) by the corresponding factor \((x - \text{zero})\) to reduce the polynomial to a quadratic or lower degree polynomial.
Repeat the process on the reduced polynomial to find all zeros. For each zero, determine its multiplicity by how many times the factor appears in the factorization. If the multiplicity is odd, the graph crosses the x-axis at that zero; if even, the graph touches the x-axis and turns around.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Finding Zeros of a Polynomial
Zeros of a polynomial are the values of x for which the function equals zero. To find them, you can use factoring, synthetic division, or the Rational Root Theorem. Identifying zeros is essential because they represent the x-intercepts of the graph.
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Finding Zeros & Their Multiplicity
Multiplicity of Zeros
Multiplicity refers to how many times a particular zero appears as a root of the polynomial. If a zero has an even multiplicity, the graph touches the x-axis and turns around at that point; if odd, the graph crosses the x-axis.
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Finding Zeros & Their Multiplicity
Behavior of the Graph at Zeros
The graph's behavior at each zero depends on the zero's multiplicity. For odd multiplicities, the graph crosses the x-axis, while for even multiplicities, it only touches and reverses direction. This helps in sketching the polynomial's graph accurately.
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