Math Problem Statement

A polynomial p has zeros when x = 1/5, x = -4, and x = 2. What could be the equation of p?

Solution

The question provides a polynomial p(x)p(x) with known zeros at x=15,x=4,x = \frac{1}{5}, x = -4, and x=2x = 2. The task is to determine the correct form of the polynomial based on these zeros.

Step-by-step process:

  1. Zeros of the Polynomial:

    • For x=15x = \frac{1}{5}, the factor will be (5x1)(5x - 1) (as setting 5x1=05x - 1 = 0 leads to x=15x = \frac{1}{5}).
    • For x=4x = -4, the factor will be (x+4)(x + 4).
    • For x=2x = 2, the factor will be (x2)(x - 2).
  2. Form of the Polynomial: A polynomial is formed by multiplying the factors corresponding to the zeros. Thus, the polynomial can be written as: p(x)=(5x1)(x+4)(x2)p(x) = (5x - 1)(x + 4)(x - 2) This corresponds to option D.

Correct Answer:

The correct equation of the polynomial is Option D: p(x)=(5x1)(x+4)(x2)p(x) = (5x - 1)(x + 4)(x - 2).

Would you like further details on how to expand or verify this? Here are some follow-up questions to deepen understanding:

  1. How can we expand (5x1)(x+4)(x2)(5x - 1)(x + 4)(x - 2) to find the expanded polynomial form?
  2. How do we determine the degree of the polynomial based on its factors?
  3. Why does each zero correspond to a factor in the polynomial?
  4. How would the polynomial change if one of the zeros was a double root?
  5. What does the sign of each factor tell us about the behavior of the polynomial around its zeros?

Tip: The degree of a polynomial is the sum of the powers of its factors—each linear factor contributes a power of 1.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Polynomials
Factoring

Formulas

Zero-factor property: If p(x) has zeros at x = a, x = b, and x = c, then p(x) can be written as k(x - a)(x - b)(x - c), where k is a constant.

Theorems

Zero Factor Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12