Math Problem Statement

Determine the polynomial function that has all the following: Multiplicities are 1 or 2 only, y-intercept at (0, 3), x-intercepts that cross the axis are at (2, 0) and (-3, 0), and x-intercepts that bounce at the axis are at (3, 0) and (-1, 0).

Solution

We need to construct a polynomial function that meets the given conditions.

Step-by-step solution:

  1. Roots and Multiplicities:

    • Crosses the axis at x=2x = 2 and x=3x = -3. These have a multiplicity of 1.
    • Bounces at the axis at x=3x = 3 and x=1x = -1. These have a multiplicity of 2.

    Therefore, the polynomial can be written as: f(x)=a(x2)(x+3)(x3)2(x+1)2f(x) = a(x - 2)(x + 3)(x - 3)^2(x + 1)^2 where aa is a constant to be determined.

  2. y-Intercept: The yy-intercept is given as (0,3)(0, 3). Substituting x=0x = 0 and f(x)=3f(x) = 3: f(0)=a(02)(0+3)(03)2(0+1)2=3f(0) = a(0 - 2)(0 + 3)(0 - 3)^2(0 + 1)^2 = 3 Simplify: f(0)=a(2)(3)(9)(1)=3f(0) = a(-2)(3)(9)(1) = 3 54a=3-54a = 3 Solve for aa: a=118a = -\frac{1}{18}

  3. Final Polynomial Function: Substitute a=118a = -\frac{1}{18} into the polynomial: f(x)=118(x2)(x+3)(x3)2(x+1)2f(x) = -\frac{1}{18}(x - 2)(x + 3)(x - 3)^2(x + 1)^2

Final Answer:

f(x)=118(x2)(x+3)(x3)2(x+1)2f(x) = -\frac{1}{18}(x - 2)(x + 3)(x - 3)^2(x + 1)^2

Let me know if you need further explanation!


Related Questions:

  1. What is the degree of the polynomial f(x)f(x)?
  2. How would the graph of f(x)f(x) behave near x=3x = -3 and x=2x = 2?
  3. What does the constant aa signify in this context?
  4. How do we determine whether a root has a "bounce" versus a "cross"?
  5. How can you verify this function graphically or analytically?

Tip: Always verify your polynomial's behavior at the intercepts by substituting points back into the equation.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Polynomial Functions
Roots and Multiplicities
Intercepts

Formulas

General form of a polynomial function: f(x) = a(x - r1)^m1(x - r2)^m2...
Finding the constant a using f(0) = y-intercept

Theorems

Multiplicity Behavior Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12