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Lesson 3.4 - Zeros of Polynomial Functionspat

The document explains the Rational Zero Theorem for finding possible rational zeros of polynomial functions, detailing the process of identifying factors of the constant term and leading coefficient. It provides examples of using synthetic division to test potential roots and emphasizes the importance of finding all roots, including real and imaginary solutions. Additionally, it outlines steps for constructing a polynomial function given specific zeros.

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10 views14 pages

Lesson 3.4 - Zeros of Polynomial Functionspat

The document explains the Rational Zero Theorem for finding possible rational zeros of polynomial functions, detailing the process of identifying factors of the constant term and leading coefficient. It provides examples of using synthetic division to test potential roots and emphasizes the importance of finding all roots, including real and imaginary solutions. Additionally, it outlines steps for constructing a polynomial function given specific zeros.

Uploaded by

BenMendoza
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Lesson 3.

4 – Zeros of Polynomial Functions


Rational Zero Theorem a0 x n  a1 x n  1  ...  an  1 x  an 0
Represent a polynomial equation of degree n . If a rational
number p , where p and q have no common factors, is a
q
root of the equation, then p is a factor of the constant term
and q is a factor of the leading coefficient.
Ex. 1 List all possible roots of 6 x 3  11x 2  3x  2 0
Then determine the rational roots.

List possible values of p: 1, 2


List possible values of q: 1, 2, 3, 6
Possible rational roots: p 1 1 1 2
1, 2,  ,  ,  , 
q 2 3 6 3
You Try:
List all possible rational zeros of
f(x) = x3 + 2x2 – 5x – 6

Possible values of p: 1, 2, 3, 6


Possible values of q: 1
Possible rational roots(p/q): 1, 2, 3, 6
Finding Zeros of a Polynomial
Function
Now, use synthetic division to test and find
the roots/factors. The last number must
be a zero to show the root is a factor.
Degree is 3, so there should be 3
solutions.
3 2
6 x  11x  3 x  2 0

Possible rational roots:


1 1 1 2
1, 2,  ,  ,  , 
2 3 6 3
Checking with Synthetic Division
1 6 11 -3 -2 1 is not a zero
6 17 14 because the
6 17 14 12 remainder does
not equal 0!!

Now let’s try -2.


-2 6 11 -3 -2
-12 2 2 -2 is a zero!!!
6 -1 -1 0
Finding the Zero (cont.)
Take -2 and write it as a factor which is x+ 2 and
take your answer from synthetic division and put
it into a polynomial 6x2 – x -1.
Now factor 6x2 – x -1
(2x – 1 )(3x + 1)
Now put all the factors together
(x+2)(2x-1)(3x+1).
Put factors equal to zero to find the zeros.
X= -2, ½, -1/3 (3 real rational solutions)
The process:
Don’t forget:
Step 1:Find your p’s and q’s and list all possible roots.
Step 2:Number of roots/zeros is based on highest
degree.
Use synthetic division to find your first root. If that does
not work, USE YOUR CALCULATOR!!! Remember your
multiplicity ideas as well. If the polynomial crosses the
x axis, the multiplicity is odd. If the polynomial touches
and turns around, it is even.
Step3: After finding a root, factor the rest on your own.
If not factorable, use the quadratic formula.
Step 4: Then, solve for the rest of the roots. Roots can be
real or imaginary. If the roots are imaginary, then they
occur in conjugate pairs!
To set up factors (in parenthesis) just change their signs.
You Try!!
Find all zeros of f(x) = x3 + 7x2 + 11x – 3
Step 1 – Find possible rational roots.
p: 1, 3 q: 1 possible rational roots: 1, 3

Use synthetic division to find one rational root or by the


calculator. By using the calculator, find one zero. Show
on the calculator to class.
Hint: You will need to use the quadratic formula

One root is 3 from calculator. Now find the other roots.


How many should there be? 3
Answer:
The solution set is {-3,-2 - √5, -2+√5}

Your solutions can be imaginary or real. If


your solution is imaginary, it will be written
as a complex conjugate. If it is real, it
could be rational (nice numbers) or
irrational (not nice numbers).
You Try Again:
Solve: x4 + 6x3 + 22x2 – 30x + 13

Use Calculator to find two zeros.

Answer: {1,2-3i,2+3i}
Zeros of Polynomial Functions
Complex
Numbers
(a+bi)
Imaginary REAL number
Numbers system
(+bi)

Rational Irrational
Numbers Numbers
General shapes of graphs with a positive leading coefficient.
Degree 1 Degree 2 Degree 3

1 zero 2 zeros 3 zeros

Degree 4 Degree 5

5 zeros
4 zeros

Remember, zeros are just x-intercepts.


Finding a Polynomial Function with Given Zeros
EXAMPLE 1: Find a 3rd degree polynomial function f(x) with real
coefficients that has -3 and i as zeros and such that f(1) =8.

f(x)= an (x-c1)(x-c2)(x-c3)
Now substitute in the zeros with what you know.
Do not forget about the conjugate pairs.

f(x) = an(x+3)(x+i)(x-i)
Multiply the polynomial out.
f(x)= an(x3 + 3x2 + x + 3 )
f(1)= an[(1)3 + 3(1)2 + 1 +3] = 8an
8 = 8an
f(1) =8
an = 1
Polynomial Equation is f(x) = (x+3) (x2+1) or x3 + 3x2 +x + 3

YOU TRY: Find a 3rd degree polynomial function f(x)


with real coefficients that has 4 and 2i as zeros and
such that f(-1) =-50.

Answer: f(x) = 2x3 – 8x2 +8x -32


Summary:
Describe how to find the possible rational
zeros of a polynomial function.

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