Chapter 4: Problem 61
In each part: (i) Make a conjecture about the behavior of the graph in the vicinity of its \(x\) -intercepts. (ii) Make a rough sketch of the graph based on your conjecture and the limits of the polynomial as \(x \rightarrow+\infty\) and as \(x \rightarrow-\infty\). (iii) Compare your sketch to the graph generated with a graphing utility. $$ \begin{array}{l}{\text { (a) } y=x(x-1)(x+1) \quad \text { (b) } y=x^{2}(x-1)^{2}(x+1)^{2}} \\ {\text { (c) } y=x^{2}(x-1)^{2}(x+1)^{3} \text { (d) } y=x(x-1)^{5}(x+1)^{4}}\end{array} $$
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Identifying x-intercepts for each function
Making conjectures about graph behavior near x-intercepts
Analyzing end behavior of each polynomial
Drawing rough sketches
Comparing to graphing utility results
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
x-intercepts
- For the first polynomial, \(y = x(x-1)(x+1)\), the x-intercepts are at \(x = 0, x = 1, x = -1\). Each of these intercepts occurs with multiplicity 1, meaning the graph will cross the x-axis at each of these points.
- In the second polynomial, \(y = x^2(x-1)^2(x+1)^2\), there are also intercepts at \(x = 0, x = 1, x = -1\). However, because each intercept has even multiplicity, the graph will touch the x-axis and bounce back without crossing it at these points.
- For \(y = x^2(x-1)^2(x+1)^3\), the intercepts remain the same but with a twist: \(x = -1\) has a multiplicity of 3, indicating the graph will cross at this point, while the others will just touch.
- Finally, in \(y = x(x-1)^5(x+1)^4\), the graph crosses at \(x = 0\), gently touches at \(x = 1\) due to the higher multiplicity of 5, and makes a flatter touch at \(x = -1\).
graph behavior
- At points where the polynomial has intercepts with odd multiplicity, such as at \(x = 0\) for \(y = x(x-1)(x+1)\), the graph will cross the x-axis. This indicates a change in the signs of the y-values.
- When intercepts have even multiplicity, the graph typically touches the x-axis but does not cross it. For example, in \(y = x^2(x-1)^2(x+1)^2\), all intercepts are touched due to their multiplicity being 2.
- A larger odd multiplicity, like the 3 at \(x = -1\) in \(y = x^2(x-1)^2(x+1)^3\), results in a sharper crossing or a steeper section of the graph.
- Significant multiplicity, such as 5, impacts the curve curvature, providing a tangent-like, flatter look on touching, as seen in \(x = 1\) for \(y = x(x-1)^5(x+1)^4\).
end behavior
- For \(y = x(x-1)(x+1)\), the end behavior resembles \(x^3\), meaning the graph dictates a downward slope for negative infinity and an upward climb toward positive infinity.
- In \(y = x^2(x-1)^2(x+1)^2\), the function behaves like \(x^6\). This results in the graph rising to positive infinity in both directions, as even powers lead the function.
- With \(y = x^2(x-1)^2(x+1)^3\), the leading term is \(x^7\). Like the cubic term in \(y = x(x-1)(x+1)\), this leads to falling and rising ends, reflecting the odd degree's influence.
- For \(y = x(x-1)^5(x+1)^4\), the resemblance to \(x^{10}\) indicates upward trends from both sides, typical of even power behavior.
sketching
- Firstly, plot the x-intercepts where the polynomial equals zero. Mark these with distinct points, knowing where the graph will touch or cross the x-axis.
- Evaluate the multiplicity at each intercept to determine if the graph will have a sharp crossing or a smooth bounce.
- Consider the end behavior to define how the graph will move towards infinity in both directions.
- Finally, connect the intercepts smoothly, adjusting the graph's slope and curves based on multiplicity and leading terms.
graphing utility
- They automate finding x-intercepts and provide confirmations by displaying the exact points where the graph meets or approaches the x-axis.
- Graphing utilities offer a thorough analysis of behavior near the x-intercepts by visually confirming whether curves cross or merely touch.
- End behavior is vividly displayed, allowing for better comprehension of how graphs trend toward infinity.
- Easily adjust visual accuracy; you can zoom in on particular sections of the graph to study finer details.