Math Problem Statement

The graph of a polynomial function y = p(x) is shown. Which of the following expressions could define p(x)?

Solution

To analyze this question and solve it step by step:

  1. Analyze the graph:

    • The polynomial graph y=p(x)y = p(x) crosses the x-axis at x=2x = -2 and x=3x = 3. These are real roots of the polynomial.
    • At x=2x = -2, the graph bounces off the x-axis, indicating a double root. At x=3x = 3, the graph crosses the x-axis, indicating a single root.
    • The polynomial's degree is determined by the number and types of roots. A double root at x=2x = -2 and a single root at x=3x = 3 give a minimum degree of 3.
  2. Analyze the options:

    • (A) (x3)(x+2)(x - 3)(x + 2): This has roots at x=2x = -2 and x=3x = 3, but both are single roots. This doesn't match the graph because x=2x = -2 is a double root.
    • (B) (x+3)(x2)(x + 3)(x - 2): This has roots at x=3x = -3 and x=2x = 2, which doesn't match the graph's roots.
    • (C) (x3)(x+2)2(x - 3)(x + 2)^2: This has a single root at x=3x = 3 and a double root at x=2x = -2. This matches the graph perfectly.
    • (D) (x+3)2(x2)2(x + 3)^2(x - 2)^2: This has a double root at x=3x = -3 and x=2x = 2, which doesn't match the graph.
  3. Conclusion:
    The correct answer is (C) (x3)(x+2)2(x - 3)(x + 2)^2.


Would you like further clarification? Here are some related questions to deepen understanding:

  1. How can you determine the degree of a polynomial from its graph?
  2. What is the difference between a single and a double root?
  3. How do the multiplicities of roots affect the shape of a graph?
  4. What happens if a root has a multiplicity of 3 or higher?
  5. How can you reconstruct a polynomial from its graph?

Tip: To quickly identify root multiplicities, look for how the graph interacts with the x-axis—crossing indicates odd multiplicity, while bouncing indicates even multiplicity.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Polynomial functions
Roots and their multiplicities
Graphing

Formulas

General polynomial equation: p(x) = (x - r1)^m1 (x - r2)^m2 ...
Multiplicity and root behavior

Theorems

Fundamental Theorem of Algebra

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12