Which graph could represent the polynomial…

Mathematics Questions

Which graph could represent the polynomial function f(x) of degree 3 with roots at -4, 0, and 2?

Short Answer

To find the polynomial from the given zeros -4, 0, and 2, the corresponding factors are (x + 4), x, and (x – 2). Multiplying these factors yields the polynomial function P(x) = x¬≥ + 2x¬≤ – 8x, which can be graphed to visualize its behavior at the specified zeros.

Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: Identify the Zeros and Factors

Start by recognizing the zeros provided for the polynomial: -4, 0, and 2. These zeros indicate where the polynomial intersects the x-axis. To derive the polynomial factors, convert these zeros into factors of the polynomial as follows:

  • (x + 4) for zero -4
  • (x – 0) or simply x for zero 0
  • (x – 2) for zero 2

Step 2: Formulate the Polynomial Function

To create the polynomial function P(x), multiply the identified factors together. This gives:

  • P(x) = (x + 4)(x)(x – 2)

Next, simplify this product step by step:

  • P(x) = (x¬≤ + 4x)(x – 2)
  • P(x) = x¬≥ – 2x¬≤ + 4x¬≤ – 8x
  • P(x) = x¬≥ + 2x¬≤ – 8x

Step 3: Graph the Polynomial Function

Once you have the polynomial function P(x), you can plot it to visualize its behavior. Since the zeros are -4, 0, and 2, these points will be where the polynomial intersects the x-axis. By plotting the function, you can see the curve shaped by the polynomial and how it behaves around each zero:

  • Understand the curve crosses x-axis at the given zeros
  • Observe the general shape and turning points of the graph

Related Concepts

Zeros

Points where a polynomial intersects the x-axis, indicating values for which the polynomial evaluates to zero.

Factors

Expressions that can be multiplied together to obtain the polynomial, derived from the zeros.

Polynomial function

A mathematical expression involving a sum of powers in one or more variables multiplied by coefficients, typically expressed as p(x).

Scroll to Top