Math Problem Statement

Use the Rational Zero Theorem to list all possible rational zeros for the given function: f(x) = 5x^4 + 9x^3 - 20x^2 + 15x - 10

Solution

The question requires using the Rational Zero Theorem to list all possible rational zeros for the given polynomial function:

f(x)=5x4+9x320x2+15x10f(x) = 5x^4 + 9x^3 - 20x^2 + 15x - 10

Steps to Solve:

  1. Identify the leading coefficient and constant term:

    • Leading coefficient (of x4x^4) = 5
    • Constant term = -10
  2. Rational Zero Theorem: The rational zeros are of the form: pq\frac{p}{q} where:

    • pp is a factor of the constant term (-10)
    • qq is a factor of the leading coefficient (5)
  3. Find factors:

    • Factors of -10 (constant term): ±1,±2,±5,±10\pm 1, \pm 2, \pm 5, \pm 10
    • Factors of 5 (leading coefficient): ±1,±5\pm 1, \pm 5
  4. List all possible rational zeros: All possible rational zeros are: ±11,±15,±21,±25,±51,±55,±101,±105\pm \frac{1}{1}, \pm \frac{1}{5}, \pm \frac{2}{1}, \pm \frac{2}{5}, \pm \frac{5}{1}, \pm \frac{5}{5}, \pm \frac{10}{1}, \pm \frac{10}{5} Simplifying, this becomes: ±1,±2,±5,±10,±15,±25\pm 1, \pm 2, \pm 5, \pm 10, \pm \frac{1}{5}, \pm \frac{2}{5}

Conclusion:

The correct answer is option A, which includes: ±1,±2,±5,±10,±15,±25\pm 1, \pm 2, \pm 5, \pm 10, \pm \frac{1}{5}, \pm \frac{2}{5}

Would you like further details or have any questions?

Related Questions:

  1. What are the next steps after finding the list of possible rational zeros?
  2. How do you check which of these possible zeros are actual roots of the polynomial?
  3. What role does synthetic division play in verifying rational zeros?
  4. Can irrational or complex roots be part of the solution, even if the Rational Zero Theorem lists rational ones?
  5. How does the Rational Zero Theorem change for polynomials with higher degrees or different coefficients?

Tip: When using the Rational Zero Theorem, always remember to simplify the fractions formed by pq\frac{p}{q}.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Polynomial Functions
Rational Zero Theorem

Formulas

Rational Zero Theorem: p/q where p is a factor of the constant term and q is a factor of the leading coefficient

Theorems

Rational Zero Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12