Math Problem Statement

given the polynomial p(x) = -3x^4 + 2x^3 -7^6 +x^5, which of the following is FALSE? a) the constant term of p(x) is -117649 b) the degree of p(x) is 5 c) the leading coefficient of p(x) is -7

Solution

Let's analyze the polynomial p(x)=3x4+2x376+x5p(x) = -3x^4 + 2x^3 - 7^6 + x^5.

Step-by-step breakdown:

  1. Simplify the polynomial: p(x)=3x4+2x376+x5p(x) = -3x^4 + 2x^3 - 7^6 + x^5 Notice that 767^6 is just a constant, which equals 117649117649, so: p(x)=3x4+2x3117649+x5p(x) = -3x^4 + 2x^3 - 117649 + x^5 Rearranging the terms: p(x)=x53x4+2x3117649p(x) = x^5 - 3x^4 + 2x^3 - 117649

  2. Examine each statement:

    a) Constant term: The constant term is 117649-117649, which matches statement a. Thus, this is true.

    b) Degree of the polynomial: The highest power of xx is 55 (from x5x^5), so the degree of the polynomial is 55. Statement b is also true.

    c) Leading coefficient: The leading term is the one with the highest degree, which is x5x^5. The coefficient of this term is 11 (not 7-7), so statement c is false.

Conclusion:

The false statement is c) the leading coefficient of p(x)p(x) is -7.

Would you like further details on any step?


Here are 5 related questions:

  1. How do you identify the degree of a polynomial?
  2. What is a leading coefficient in a polynomial?
  3. How do constant terms impact the overall behavior of a polynomial?
  4. How would the graph of p(x)=x53x4+2x3117649p(x) = x^5 - 3x^4 + 2x^3 - 117649 look?
  5. Can the degree and leading coefficient change after simplifying a polynomial?

Tip: When analyzing polynomials, always arrange terms in descending order of degree for clarity.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Polynomials
Degree of a Polynomial
Leading Coefficient
Constant Term

Formulas

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Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12