Math Problem Statement

Use the graph and the factor theorem to list the factors of f(x). Assume that all zeros are integers.

Solution

To solve this problem, we need to identify the zeros of the function f(x)f(x) from the graph provided, and then use those zeros to determine the factors of f(x)f(x).

Steps to Solve:

  1. Identify the zeros from the graph: The zeros (x-intercepts) are the points where the graph crosses the x-axis, i.e., where f(x)=0f(x) = 0.

    From the graph, it appears the function crosses the x-axis at the following points: x=8,x=2,x=6x = -8, \, x = 2, \, x = 6

  2. Apply the factor theorem: According to the factor theorem, if x=ax = a is a root of f(x)f(x), then (xa)(x - a) is a factor of f(x)f(x).

    Therefore, the factors corresponding to the zeros are: (x+8),(x2),(x6)(x + 8), \, (x - 2), \, (x - 6)

Thus, the factors of f(x)f(x) are: (x+8),(x2),(x6)(x + 8), (x - 2), (x - 6)

Would you like any more details on this solution? Here are some follow-up questions:

Follow-up Questions:

  1. What is the general form of a polynomial function given its factors?
  2. How can you reconstruct the polynomial f(x)f(x) from the factors (x+8)(x2)(x6)(x + 8)(x - 2)(x - 6)?
  3. What happens if one of the zeros has a higher multiplicity (i.e., the graph touches the x-axis but does not cross)?
  4. How can you determine if a factor is quadratic or linear from the graph alone?
  5. How would the graph look if some of the zeros were non-integer values?

Tip:

To find the full polynomial function from its factors, multiply the factors together using the distributive property or a method like FOIL for binomials.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Polynomial Functions
Factor Theorem

Formulas

Zeroes of polynomial: x = -a

Theorems

Factor theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12