Chapter 5: Problem 92
Make up a polynomial function that has the following characteristics: crosses the \(x\) -axis at -1 and \(4,\) touches the \(x\) -axis at 0 and \(2,\) and is above the \(x\) -axis between 0 and \(2 .\) Give your polynomial to a fellow classmate and ask for a written critique.
Short Answer
Expert verified
A polynomial solution is \( P(x) = (x+1)(x-4)x^2(x-2)^2 \).
Step by step solution
01
- Determine the Zeroes
Identify the points where the polynomial crosses or touches the x-axis. The given points are -1, 0, 2, and 4. Crosses at -1 and 4, and touches at 0 and 2.
02
- Assign Multiplicities to Zeroes
Since the polynomial crosses the x-axis at -1 and 4, these zeroes have an odd multiplicity (1). The zeroes at 0 and 2 touch the x-axis without crossing, so these zeroes have an even multiplicity (2).
03
- Construct the Polynomial
Using the zeroes and their respective multiplicities, the polynomial can be written as:\[ P(x) = k(x+1)(x-4)(x^2)(x-2)^2 \]where k is a scaling factor. To satisfy the condition that the polynomial is above the x-axis between 0 and 2, choose a positive k.
04
- Simplify the Polynomial
Simplify the polynomial expression if desired. For example, let k=1:\[ P(x) = (x+1)(x-4)x^2(x-2)^2 \]Expanding this would give the simplified polynomial.
05
- Verify the Behavior
Confirm the polynomial meets the given criteria by checking the behavior at the specified points. Ensure the polynomial crosses or touches the x-axis correctly and is above the x-axis between 0 and 2.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Zeroes
In polynomial functions, 'zeroes' (or roots) are the values of \( x \) where the polynomial equals zero. For the given exercise, we need to identify the points where the polynomial crosses or touches the x-axis. These points are the zeroes of the polynomial.
In this exercise, the zeroes provided are -1, 0, 2, and 4. Zeroes play an essential role in shaping the graph of the polynomial function.
Let's represent them:
In this exercise, the zeroes provided are -1, 0, 2, and 4. Zeroes play an essential role in shaping the graph of the polynomial function.
Let's represent them:
- The polynomial crosses the x-axis at -1 and 4. This means that the polynomial changes sign at these points.
- The polynomial touches the x-axis at 0 and 2 without crossing it. This implies the value of the polynomial doesn't change signs at these points.
Multiplicities
Multiplicity refers to the number of times a particular root occurs in a polynomial. It significantly affects the shape and behavior of the graph.
For our polynomial:
For our polynomial:
- A root with odd multiplicity (e.g., 1, 3) means the graph crosses the x-axis.
- A root with even multiplicity (e.g., 2, 4) means the graph touches the x-axis but doesn't cross it.
- Zeroes at -1 and 4 have odd multiplicities (1) because the graph crosses the x-axis at these points.
- Zeroes at 0 and 2 have even multiplicities (2) because the graph touches the x-axis at these points without crossing.
Polynomial Construction
To construct a polynomial, we use the identified zeroes and their respective multiplicities. Here's the step-by-step process:
We start by writing the polynomial in its factored form:
To meet the condition that the polynomial is above the x-axis between 0 and 2, \( k \) is chosen to be positive.
We start by writing the polynomial in its factored form:
- The zero at x = -1, with an odd multiplicity, is written as \( (x + 1) \).
- The zero at x = 4, with an odd multiplicity, is written as \( (x - 4) \).
- The zero at x = 0, with an even multiplicity, is written as \( x^2 \).
- The zero at x = 2, with an even multiplicity, is written as \( (x - 2)^2 \).
To meet the condition that the polynomial is above the x-axis between 0 and 2, \( k \) is chosen to be positive.
Polynomial Behavior
Analyzing the behavior of the polynomial involves verifying that it satisfies all given conditions:
By plugging these points into our polynomial \[ P(x) = (x + 1)(x - 4)x^2(x - 2)^2 \], we can confirm this:
By carefully constructing and verifying the polynomial, we ensure it adheres to all given conditions.
- At \( x = -1 \): The polynomial crosses the x-axis.
- At \( x = 0 \): The polynomial touches the x-axis and does not cross it.
- At \( x = 2 \): The polynomial touches the x-axis and does not cross it.
- At \( x = 4 \): The polynomial crosses the x-axis.
By plugging these points into our polynomial \[ P(x) = (x + 1)(x - 4)x^2(x - 2)^2 \], we can confirm this:
- At \( x = -1, P(-1) = 0 \), the polynomial crosses the x-axis.
- At \( x = 0, P(0) = 0 \), the polynomial touches the x-axis.
- At \( x = 2, P(2) = 0 \), the polynomial touches the x-axis.
- At \( x = 4, P(4) = 0 \), the polynomial crosses the x-axis.
By carefully constructing and verifying the polynomial, we ensure it adheres to all given conditions.