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 P(x)=3x4+x39x29x2P(x) = 3x^4 + x^3 - 9x^2 - 9x - 2, 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 pq\frac{p}{q}, where:

  • pp is a factor of the constant term (in this case, 2-2),
  • qq is a factor of the leading coefficient (in this case, 33).

Factors of the constant term 2-2: ±1,±2\pm 1, \pm 2

Factors of the leading coefficient 33: ±1,±3\pm 1, \pm 3

Thus, the possible rational zeros are: ±1,±2,±13,±23\pm 1, \pm 2, \pm \frac{1}{3}, \pm \frac{2}{3}

Step 2: Analyze the Graph for Zeros

From the description of the graph:

  • The polynomial crosses the x-axis at approximately x=1x = -1, x=2x = 2, 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:

  • x=1x = -1
  • x=2x = 2

We can conclude that the possible rational zeros that are actually zeros of the polynomial are x=1x = -1 and x=2x = 2.

Step 4: Determine the Multiplicities

  • The point (1,0)(-1, 0) is where the graph changes direction, suggesting a root with an even multiplicity.
  • The point (2,0)(2, 0) suggests a simple zero, as the graph crosses the x-axis.

Thus, the multiplicities of the zeros are:

  • x=1x = -1 has multiplicity 2 (even multiplicity because the graph changes direction at this point).
  • x=2x = 2 has multiplicity 1 (simple zero because the graph crosses the x-axis).

Final Answer:

The zeros are: x=1,x=2x = -1, x = 2

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