Math Problem Statement

Sketch the graph of a polynomial with a negative leading coefficient given zeros -2 and 3 with multiplicity of 1 and 0 with multiplicity of 2

Solution

To sketch the graph of this polynomial, let’s first analyze its main characteristics.

Key Points:

  1. Zeros and Multiplicities:

    • The zeros are x=2x = -2, x=3x = 3, and x=0x = 0.
    • x=2x = -2 and x=3x = 3 each have a multiplicity of 1, meaning the graph crosses the x-axis at these points.
    • x=0x = 0 has a multiplicity of 2, so the graph touches but does not cross the x-axis here (a “bounce”).
  2. Negative Leading Coefficient:

    • Since the leading coefficient is negative, the polynomial’s end behavior will point downward on both ends of the graph.
  3. Polynomial Degree:

    • Summing the multiplicities of all zeros, we get 1+1+2=41 + 1 + 2 = 4, so the polynomial is of degree 4.

General Form of the Polynomial

A polynomial with these characteristics could be written as: f(x)=a(x+2)(x3)x2f(x) = -a(x + 2)(x - 3)x^2 where aa is a positive constant (the negative sign accounts for the negative leading coefficient).

Sketching the Graph:

  1. End Behavior: Since this is a degree-4 polynomial with a negative leading coefficient, the graph will fall as x±x \to \pm \infty.
  2. At x=2x = -2: The graph crosses the x-axis.
  3. At x=0x = 0: The graph touches the x-axis and turns back, due to the multiplicity of 2.
  4. At x=3x = 3: The graph crosses the x-axis again.

Would you like further details on any part of this explanation?


Here are five related questions:

  1. How does the degree of a polynomial affect its end behavior?
  2. What is the impact of a zero’s multiplicity on a graph’s shape at that point?
  3. How do we determine the leading coefficient’s effect on the graph?
  4. Can the shape of a polynomial graph vary if multiplicities change?
  5. How do you find turning points in polynomial functions?

Tip: When sketching polynomials, focusing on zeros, multiplicities, and leading coefficient gives a quick view of the graph’s structure.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Polynomial Functions
Zeros and Multiplicities
End Behavior of Polynomials

Formulas

General form of polynomial function with zeros and multiplicities

Theorems

Fundamental Theorem of Algebra
End Behavior Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12