Math Problem Statement

The graph of the polynomial f(x) is given below. If f(x) has degree 4, find the factored equation for f(x).

Solution

The graph provided shows a degree 4 polynomial f(x)f(x), and we are tasked with finding the factored form of the polynomial. Here's how we can proceed based on the visual information:

1. Roots:

We can identify the roots (x-intercepts) from the graph, which are the points where the polynomial crosses the x-axis:

  • x=4x = -4
  • x=0x = 0
  • x=1x = 1

2. Multiplicity:

We can observe the behavior of the graph at these roots to infer the multiplicities:

  • At x=4x = -4, the graph touches the x-axis but doesn't cross it, indicating a root with even multiplicity. Since the degree of the polynomial is 4, this root likely has multiplicity 2.
  • At x=0x = 0, the graph crosses the x-axis, indicating a root with odd multiplicity. This root likely has multiplicity 1.
  • At x=1x = 1, the graph again crosses the x-axis, suggesting another root with multiplicity 1.

3. Factored Form:

Given this information, the factored form of f(x)f(x) can be written as: f(x)=a(x+4)2x(x1)f(x) = a(x + 4)^2 x (x - 1) where aa is a constant coefficient that can be determined by looking at other points on the graph, such as the y-intercept or a maximum/minimum point. From the graph, we can see that the polynomial has a local minimum around y=5y = -5, which might help determine aa.

Since no specific y-values are given beyond the intercepts, we leave aa as an arbitrary constant for now.

Summary:

The factored form is: f(x)=a(x+4)2x(x1)f(x) = a(x + 4)^2 x (x - 1) Would you like to explore how to determine the value of aa, or any other details?


Here are 5 related questions:

  1. How do we determine the constant aa from the graph?
  2. What happens if a polynomial root has higher multiplicity?
  3. How can we use the degree of a polynomial to predict the shape of its graph?
  4. What is the significance of a root where the graph touches but does not cross the x-axis?
  5. Can we use calculus (like the derivative) to verify the behavior of the graph at specific points?

Tip: Always check the multiplicities of roots by observing whether the graph crosses the x-axis (odd multiplicity) or just touches it (even multiplicity).

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Polynomial Functions
Factoring
Roots and Multiplicities

Formulas

Factored form of a polynomial: f(x) = a(x - r1)(x - r2)...

Theorems

Fundamental Theorem of Algebra

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12