Math Problem Statement

f(x) = x^3 - 4x^2 - x + 4. At which x-intercept(s) does the graph cross the x-axis? Where does it touch and turn around? Find the y-intercept. Determine symmetry (y-axis, origin, or neither).

Solution

The function provided in the question is:

f(x)=x34x2x+4f(x) = x^3 - 4x^2 - x + 4

Let's go over the questions one by one.

  1. At which x-intercept(s) does the graph cross the x-axis?

    • From the image, the correct answer selected is x=1,4,1x = 1, 4, -1.
    • This means the graph crosses the x-axis at these values of xx.
  2. At which x-intercept(s) does the graph touch the x-axis and turn around?

    • The answer chosen is "There are no x-intercepts at which the graph touches the x-axis and turns around."
    • This is correct because in a cubic function, like the one given, unless there is a double root, the graph usually crosses the x-axis without turning around.
  3. Find the y-intercept.

    • The y-intercept occurs when x=0x = 0. Plugging x=0x = 0 into f(x)f(x): f(0)=034(0)20+4=4f(0) = 0^3 - 4(0)^2 - 0 + 4 = 4
    • The y-intercept is y=4y = 4, which matches the answer provided in the image.
  4. Determine whether the graph has y-axis symmetry, origin symmetry, or neither.

    • The selected answer is currently blank.
    • To check for symmetry:
      • Y-axis symmetry: This happens if f(x)=f(x)f(-x) = f(x), but here f(x)f(x)f(-x) \neq f(x), so it doesn’t have y-axis symmetry.
      • Origin symmetry: This happens if f(x)=f(x)f(-x) = -f(x). Checking this, we can see it doesn't hold either.
    • Therefore, the correct answer is "neither".

Would you like more details on any specific part?

Here are 5 related questions:

  1. How do you find the x-intercepts of a polynomial function?
  2. What does it mean if a graph "turns around" at an intercept?
  3. How can you algebraically check if a graph has symmetry?
  4. How does the degree of a polynomial affect the shape of its graph?
  5. Why is the y-intercept always found when x=0x = 0?

Tip:

For polynomials, the sign of the leading coefficient and the degree can give you an idea of the end behavior of the graph.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Polynomial Functions
Intercepts
Symmetry

Formulas

y = f(x)
x-intercepts: solve f(x) = 0
y-intercept: f(0)
Symmetry: y-axis: f(-x) = f(x), origin: f(-x) = -f(x)

Theorems

Polynomial root theorem
Symmetry properties in algebra

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12