Chapter 10: Problem 58
Sketch the graph of each polynomial function. First graph the function on a calculator and use the calculator graph as a guide. $$f(x)=(x-20)^{2}(x+30)^{2}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The function \(f(x) = (x-20)^{2}(x+30)^{2}\) has roots at \(x=20\) and \(x=-30\) with multiplicity 2, and both ends of the graph point upwards.
Step by step solution
01
- Identify the polynomial and its degree
The given polynomial function is \(f(x) = (x-20)^{2}(x+30)^{2}\). To determine the degree of the polynomial, expand the factors: \((x-20)^2 = x^2 - 40x + 400\) and \((x+30)^2 = x^2 + 60x + 900\). When multiplying the expanded forms: \(f(x) = (x^2 - 40x + 400)(x^2 + 60x + 900)\). This results in a polynomial of degree 4 (since the highest power of x after expanding will be \(x^4\)).
02
- Determine the roots and their multiplicities
The roots of the polynomial can be found by setting each factor equal to zero: \(x-20=0\) gives \(x=20\) and \(x+30=0\) gives \(x=-30\). Each root has a multiplicity of 2 because each factor is squared. Hence, the roots are \(x=20\) and \(x=-30\), both with multiplicity 2.
03
- Determine the end behavior of the polynomial
The leading term of a polynomial dictates the end behavior. Since this is a degree 4 polynomial with a positive leading coefficient (after expanding), the ends of the graph will both point upwards. Hence, as \(x\) approaches \(\text{infinity}\), \(f(x)\) approaches \(\text{infinity}\) and as \(x\) approaches \(-\text{infinity}\), \(f(x)\) also approaches \(\text{infinity}\).
04
- Graph using a calculator and sketch the graph
Graph the polynomial function \(f(x) = (x-20)^{2}(x+30)^{2}\) using a graphing calculator. Observe the key features: - The graph touches the x-axis at \(x=20\) and \(x=-30\) and rebounds upward due to the even multiplicity. - The end points of the graph go to \(\text{infinity}\). Use these observations to sketch the graph, marking the key roots and noting the end behavior.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Polynomial Degree
Understanding the degree of a polynomial is crucial for graphing it accurately. The degree of a polynomial is the highest power of the variable in the function. For example, in the polynomial function \[f(x) = (x-20)^2 (x+30)^2\], we can determine the degree by expanding the factors:
- \((x-20)^2 = x^2 - 40x + 400\)
- \((x+30)^2 = x^2 + 60x + 900\)
Roots and Multiplicities
Roots (or zeroes) are the values of x where the polynomial equals zero. Multiplicities refer to the number of times a particular root is repeated. For the given polynomial \[f(x) = (x-20)^2 (x+30)^2\], we find the roots by setting each factor to zero:
- \(x-20=0\) gives the root \(x=20\)
- \(x+30=0\) gives the root \(x=-30\)
End Behavior of Polynomials
The end behavior of a polynomial describes how the function behaves as x approaches positive or negative infinity. For the polynomial \[f(x) = (x-20)^2 (x+30)^2\], which is a degree 4 polynomial with a positive leading coefficient, we observe the following behavior:
- As \(x\) approaches \(+\text{infinity}\), \(f(x)\) also approaches \(+\text{infinity}\).
- As \(x\) approaches \(-\text{infinity}\), \(f(x)\) once again approaches \(+\text{infinity}\).
Graphing Polynomial Functions
Plotting polynomial functions involves several steps to ensure accuracy:
- Identify the degree and leading coefficients.
- Determine the roots and their multiplicities.
- Examine the end behavior.
Using Graphing Calculators
Graphing calculators are valuable tools for visualizing polynomial functions. For example, input \[f(x) = (x-20)^2 (x+30)^2\] into your graphing calculator. Observe the displayed graph to identify key features:
- The roots, where the graph touches the x-axis.
- The points where the graph rebounds due to even multiplicities.
- The end behavior where both ends of the graph point upwards.