Chapter 5: Problem 23
For each given polynomial, find the indicated value of the polynomial. $$P(x)=x^{4}-1, \quad P(3)$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
P(3) = 80
Step by step solution
01
- Understand the Problem
The polynomial given is \(P(x) = x^4 - 1\) and you need to find \(P(3)\). This means substituting \(x\) with 3 in the polynomial equation.
02
- Substitute the Value
Substitute \(x = 3\) into the polynomial \(P(x)\). So, \(P(3) = 3^4 - 1\).
03
- Calculate the Power
Calculate \(3^4\). You get \(3^4 = 81\).
04
- Subtract One
Subtract 1 from 81. So, \(81 - 1 = 80\).
05
- Write the Final Answer
Thus, \(P(3) = 80\).
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
polynomial functions
Polynomial functions are equations that involve variables raised to non-negative integer powers. These functions consist of terms like \(x^2\), \(x^3\), and so on, combined by addition, subtraction, or multiplication. Each term has a coefficient (a constant number) and a variable part. For example, in the polynomial \(2x^3 + 3x^2 - 5x + 6\),
- 2 is the coefficient of the term \(2x^3\),
- 3 is the coefficient of the term \(3x^2\),
- -5 is the coefficient of the term \(-5x\),
- and 6 is a constant.
substitution method
The substitution method involves replacing a variable with a given number, allowing you to evaluate the polynomial at that specific point. In our example, we need to evaluate \(P(x) = x^4 - 1\) at \(x = 3\). This method is simple and follows these steps:
- Identify the variable in the polynomial (\(x\) in this case).
- Replace this variable with the given number.
- Perform the necessary arithmetic operations to find the value.
exponentiation
Exponentiation is the mathematical operation involving raising a number to the power of another number. In our example, we encountered \(3^4\), where 3 is the base and 4 is the exponent. To solve \(3^4\), you multiply the base by itself as many times as indicated by the exponent:
- \(3^4 = 3 \times 3 \times 3 \times 3 = 81\)
arithmetic operations
Arithmetic operations are the basic mathematical operations which include addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. In our example, we encountered both exponentiation and subtraction. After calculating the exponentiation \(3^4 = 81\), we performed subtraction:
- \(81 - 1 = 80\)