Math Problem Statement

Consider the graph of the function h(x) provided in the image. Analyze the roots, their multiplicities, and the degree of the polynomial based on the graph.

Solution

The question asks about the graph of the function h(x)h(x) and requires information about the roots, their multiplicities, and the degree of the polynomial h(x)h(x). Let’s analyze the graph in detail:

Observations from the graph:

  1. Root at x=1x = -1:

    • The graph touches the x-axis but does not cross it at x=1x = -1, which suggests a root of even multiplicity (likely 22).
  2. Root at x=2x = 2:

    • The graph crosses the x-axis at x=2x = 2, and the crossing indicates a root of odd multiplicity (likely 11).
  3. Root at x=3x = 3:

    • The graph also crosses the x-axis at x=3x = 3, with a behavior similar to x=2x = 2, suggesting a root of odd multiplicity (likely 11).
  4. Degree of the polynomial:

    • The graph’s end behavior shows that as xx \to -\infty, h(x)h(x) \to \infty, and as xx \to \infty, h(x)h(x) \to -\infty.
    • This indicates that h(x)h(x) is a polynomial of odd degree (likely 55, as it has three distinct roots, two of which are simple and one with higher multiplicity).

Completing the blanks:

  1. Multiplicity of root at x=1x = -1: 22 (even multiplicity as the graph touches the axis but does not cross it).
  2. Multiplicity of root at x=2x = 2: 11 (odd multiplicity as the graph crosses the axis).
  3. Multiplicity of root at x=3x = 3: 11 (odd multiplicity as the graph crosses the axis).
  4. Degree of h(x)h(x): 55 (based on the end behavior and the roots).

Would you like me to elaborate further on how to determine the degree or multiplicities?

Here are 5 related questions to explore further:

  1. What happens to the graph of a polynomial function at a root with multiplicity 3 or higher?
  2. How does end behavior vary with the leading coefficient and degree of a polynomial?
  3. Can a polynomial of degree 5 have more than three distinct real roots? Why or why not?
  4. How is the degree of a polynomial related to the number of turning points on its graph?
  5. What are the differences in the graph’s shape at roots with multiplicities 1, 2, or 3?

Tip: Always check the end behavior of a polynomial function to determine whether its degree is odd or even.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Polynomial functions
Roots and multiplicity
End behavior of polynomials

Formulas

-

Theorems

Multiplicity and root behavior theorem
End behavior theorem for polynomials

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12