Chapter 6: Problem 67
Find \(p(7)\) and \(p(-3)\) for each function. $$ p(x)=\frac{2}{3} x^{4}-3 x^{3} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
\(p(7) = 571.67\) and \(p(-3) = 135\).
Step by step solution
01
Substitute 7 into the function
To find \(p(7)\), substitute \(x = 7\) into the function: \[p(7) = \frac{2}{3} \times 7^4 - 3 \times 7^3\] Calculate each term separately to simplify.
02
Calculate powers of 7
First, calculate \(7^4\) and \(7^3\). \[7^4 = 2401\] \[7^3 = 343\]
03
Evaluate the expression for x = 7
Substitute the calculated powers into the expression: \[p(7) = \frac{2}{3} \times 2401 - 3 \times 343\] This simplifies to: \[p(7) = \frac{4802}{3} - 1029\] Solve this to find \(p(7)\).
04
Simplify the calculation for p(7)
Calculate \(\frac{4802}{3} = 1600.67\). Subtract 1029 from this value: \[p(7) = 1600.67 - 1029 = 571.67\]
05
Substitute -3 into the function
To find \(p(-3)\), substitute \(x = -3\) into the function: \[p(-3) = \frac{2}{3} \times (-3)^4 - 3 \times (-3)^3\] Calculate each term separately to simplify.
06
Calculate powers of -3
First, calculate \((-3)^4\) and \((-3)^3\). \[(-3)^4 = 81\] \[(-3)^3 = -27\]
07
Evaluate the expression for x = -3
Substitute the calculated powers into the expression: \[p(-3) = \frac{2}{3} \times 81 - 3 \times (-27)\] This simplifies to: \[p(-3) = \frac{162}{3} + 81\] Solve this to find \(p(-3)\).
08
Simplify the calculation for p(-3)
Calculate \(\frac{162}{3} = 54\). Add 81 to this value: \[p(-3) = 54 + 81 = 135\]
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Polynomial Function
A polynomial function is a mathematical expression involving a sum of powers in one or more variables multiplied by coefficients. Here's the breakdown of what makes a polynomial function:
- It involves variables such as \(x\), which can be raised to whole number exponents.
- Coefficients are the numbers in front of the variables (e.g., \(\frac{2}{3}\) and \(-3\) in our example).
- The degree of the polynomial is determined by the highest power of the variable in the expression. For instance, \(x^4\) has the highest power, so the degree here is 4.
Substitution Method
The substitution method is a foundational technique in evaluating polynomial functions. It involves replacing the variable in the polynomial equation with a specific numerical value. This is how it works:
- Identify the polynomial function and choose the value to substitute.
- Replace every instance of the variable with the chosen number.
- Follow through with calculations, respecting the order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS).
Exponentiation
Exponentiation is a crucial operation when working with polynomial functions. It involves raising numbers to specific powers to express repeated multiplication. Here are fundamental points:
- An exponent indicates how many times a number, known as the base, is multiplied by itself.
- For instance, \(7^4\) means multiplying 7 by itself four times: \(7 \times 7 \times 7 \times 7\).
- Negative bases follow different rules; for example, \((-3)^3\) means \((-3) \times (-3) \times (-3)\), resulting in -27.
Simplification of Expressions
The simplification of expressions is the process of clarifying and reducing complex mathematical expressions to a simpler form without changing its value. This involves:
- Combining like terms, where possible.
- Performing operations such as addition, subtraction, and division as necessary.
- Ensuring fractions are simplified to their lowest term, if involved.