Math Problem Statement
A polynomial function P and its graph are given. P(x) = 3x4 + x3 − 9x2 − 9x − 2
The x y-coordinate plane is given. The curve enters the window in the second quadrant, goes down and right becoming less steep, changes direction at the point (−1, 0), goes up and right becoming more steep, passes through the approximate point (−0.8, 0.2), goes up and right becoming less steep, changes direction at the approximate point (−0.6, 0.3), goes down and right becoming more steep, crosses the x-axis at approximately x = −0.3, crosses the y-axis at y = −2, passes through the approximate point (0.6, −10.5), goes down and right becoming less steep, changes direction at the approximate point (1.3, −18.2), goes up and right becoming more steep, crosses the x-axis at x = 2, and exits the window in the first quadrant.
From the graph, determine which of the possible rational zeros actually turn out to be zeros. (Enter your answers as a comma-separated list. Enter all answers using the appropriate multiplicities.) x =
Solution
We are tasked with finding the rational zeros of the polynomial , based on the graph and the information provided.
Step 1: Apply the Rational Root Theorem
The Rational Root Theorem suggests that any possible rational zeros must be of the form , where:
- is a factor of the constant term (in this case, ),
- is a factor of the leading coefficient (in this case, ).
Factors of the constant term :
Factors of the leading coefficient :
Thus, the possible rational zeros are:
Step 2: Analyze the Graph for Zeros
From the description of the graph:
- The polynomial crosses the x-axis at approximately , , and possibly at other locations.
- The graph also changes direction at points where the polynomial has turning points or possibly repeated zeros.
Step 3: Identify the Zeros from the Graph
From the description of the graph, the zeros of the polynomial occur at:
We can conclude that the possible rational zeros that are actually zeros of the polynomial are and .
Step 4: Determine the Multiplicities
- The point is where the graph changes direction, suggesting a root with an even multiplicity.
- The point suggests a simple zero, as the graph crosses the x-axis.
Thus, the multiplicities of the zeros are:
- has multiplicity 2 (even multiplicity because the graph changes direction at this point).
- has multiplicity 1 (simple zero because the graph crosses the x-axis).
Final Answer:
The zeros are:
Would you like to verify this result by factoring the polynomial, or would you like further explanation on any step? Let me know!
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Polynomial Functions
Rational Root Theorem
Graph Analysis
Formulas
Rational Root Theorem: p/q where p is a factor of the constant term and q is a factor of the leading coefficient
Theorems
Rational Root Theorem
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 9-12
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