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A polynomial function has roots of -6 (multiplicity 1), -2 …

Mathematics Questions

A polynomial function has a root of –6 with multiplicity 1, a root of –2 with multiplicity 3, a root of 0 with multiplicity 2, and a root of 4 with multiplicity 3. If the function has a positive leading coefficient and is of odd degree, which statement about the graph is true?

Short Answer

The function has a positive leading coefficient and an odd degree, resulting in negative values as x approaches negative infinity. It crosses the x-axis at roots -6 and -2, becoming positive after -6 and returning to negative after -2, while touching the x-axis at root 0 without crossing it, remaining negative until it reaches positive values beyond 4.

Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: Analyze the Leading Coefficient and Degree

The leading coefficient of the function is positive and the highest degree is odd (specifically 9). This indicates the overall end behavior of the function; as x approaches negative infinity (-‚Äöau), the function will yield negative values. Therefore, in the interval (-‚Äöau, -6), the function is negative.

Step 2: Identify Roots and Their Effects

We have identified critical roots at -6 and -2, both of which have odd multiplicity, indicating that the function will cross the x-axis at these points. After crossing -6, the function becomes positive. It crosses again at -2, returning to negative values.

Step 3: Examine Even Multiplicity at Root Zero

At the root 0, the function exhibits even multiplicity, meaning it touches the x-axis but does not cross it. Therefore, the function remains negative in the interval between -2 and 4, where it then crosses into the positive values. Based on this analysis, only the first choice correctly describes the behavior of the function.

Related Concepts

Leading Coefficient

The coefficient of the term with the highest degree in a polynomial, which determines the direction of the graph as x approaches infinity or negative infinity.

Degree

The highest power of the variable in a polynomial function, which influences the end behavior and number of roots of the function.

Multiplicity

The number of times a particular root occurs in a polynomial, affecting whether the graph crosses or touches the x-axis at that root.