Chapter 9: Problem 4
For Problems 1-10, find \(f(c)\) by (a) evaluating \(f(c)\) directly, and (b) using synthetic division and the remainder theorem. $$ f(x)=x^{3}+3 x^{2}-4 x-7 \text { and } c=-2 $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
Both methods show that \(f(-2) = 5\).
Step by step solution
01
Evaluate f(c) Directly
To find \(f(-2)\), substitute \(x = -2\) into the function \(f(x)\).\[ f(-2) = (-2)^3 + 3(-2)^2 - 4(-2) - 7 \] Calculate each term:- \((-2)^3 = -8\)- \(3(-2)^2 = 3(4) = 12\)- \(-4(-2) = 8\)- Constant \(-7\).Now, sum these values: \[ -8 + 12 + 8 - 7 = 5 \]So, \(f(-2) = 5\).
02
Set Up Synthetic Division
For synthetic division, list the coefficients of \(f(x)\): \(1\) (for \(x^3\)), \(3\) (for \(x^2\)), \(-4\) (for \(x\)), and \(-7\) (constant term). Use \(c = -2\) as the divisor.Set up the synthetic division tableau:-2 | 1 3 -4 -7 |
03
Perform Synthetic Division
Start synthetic division:1. Bring down the leading coefficient (1).2. Multiply by the divisor \(-2\): \[ -2 \times 1 = -2 \] Add to the next coefficient (3): \[ 3 + (-2) = 1 \]3. Multiply \(1\) by \(-2\): \[ -2 \times 1 = -2 \] Add to the next coefficient (-4): \[ -4 + (-2) = -6 \]4. Multiply \(-6\) by \(-2\): \[ -2 \times -6 = 12 \] Add to the next coefficient (-7): \[ -7 + 12 = 5 \]The remainder from synthetic division is 5.
04
Verify Using Remainder Theorem
The Remainder Theorem states that if a polynomial \(f(x)\) is divided by \(x - c\), the remainder is \(f(c)\). Since our remainder from synthetic division is 5, this confirms that \(f(-2) = 5\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Remainder Theorem
The Remainder Theorem is a useful tool in algebra for evaluating polynomial functions. It states that if you divide a polynomial function \(f(x)\) by \(x - c\), the remainder of this division will be \(f(c)\). Essentially, this theorem gives us a shortcut. Instead of manually calculating \(f(c)\), you can perform synthetic division and use the remainder to find your answer.
- For example, when you calculate \(f(-2)\) using synthetic division for the polynomial \(f(x) = x^3 + 3x^2 - 4x - 7\), the remainder turns out to be 5. This confirms that \(f(-2) = 5\).
Polynomial Functions
Polynomial functions are algebraic expressions that consist of variables raised to whole number powers. These expressions can have coefficients and constants, making them flexible for various mathematical applications.
- The general form of a polynomial is \(f(x) = a_n x^n + a_{n-1} x^{n-1} + ... + a_1 x + a_0\).
- The degree of a polynomial is the highest power of \(x\) that appears in it. For example, in \(f(x) = x^3 + 3x^2 - 4x - 7\), the degree is 3.
- Understanding the components of polynomial functions is crucial for operations like addition, subtraction, and division.
Algebraic Evaluation
Algebraic evaluation involves finding the value of a polynomial expression for a given input. In the original exercise, you were asked to find \(f(-2)\). You do this by substituting \(-2\) into the polynomial and calculating the result.
- For the function \(f(x) = x^3 + 3x^2 - 4x - 7\), you compute \((-2)^3 + 3(-2)^2 - 4(-2) - 7\) to find \(f(-2)\).
- Each step involves basic arithmetic: exponents, multiplication, and addition/subtraction.
Synthetic Division Steps
Synthetic division is a streamlined method to divide polynomials. It's faster and more efficient than long division, especially when dealing with linear divisors. Let's break down the steps.
- First, write down the coefficients of the polynomial. For \(f(x) = x^3 + 3x^2 - 4x - 7\), these are 1, 3, -4, and -7.
- Use the value \(c\), in this case \(-2\), as the divisor.
- Set up the division: place \(-2\) on the left and the coefficients on the top row.
- Begin by bringing the leading coefficient straight down. Then multiply it by \(-2\), adding the result to the next coefficient, repeating this until all coefficients are processed.