Chapter 5: Problem 9
For the following exercises, find the \(x\) - or t-intercepts of the polynomial functions. $$ C(t)=2 t(t-3)(t+1)^{2} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The t-intercepts are \( t = 0 \), \( t = -1 \), and \( t = 3 \).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Problem
We need to find the t-intercepts of the function \( C(t) = 2t(t-3)(t+1)^2 \). The t-intercepts occur where \( C(t) = 0 \).
02
Set the Function to Zero
To find the t-intercepts, set the polynomial function equal to zero: \( 2t(t-3)(t+1)^2 = 0 \).
03
Solve for Each Factor
Since the equation is a product of factors equal to zero, we apply the zero-product property. Set each factor equal to zero: \( 2t = 0 \), \( t-3 = 0 \), and \( (t+1)^2 = 0 \).
04
Solve Each Equation
Solve each equation separately: \( 2t = 0 \) gives \( t = 0 \); \( t-3 = 0 \) gives \( t = 3 \); \( (t+1)^2 = 0 \) gives \( t = -1 \).
05
Identify the t-intercepts
The t-intercepts are the solutions to the equations. Therefore, the t-intercepts are \( t = 0 \), \( t = -1 \), and \( t = 3 \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
t-intercepts
The concept of t-intercepts in polynomial functions relates to the points where the graph of the function crosses the t-axis. These are the values of \( t \) for which the polynomial is equal to zero. In our original exercise, the goal is to identify the t-intercepts of a polynomial function given by \( C(t) = 2t(t-3)(t+1)^2 \). To find these intercepts, you need to solve for \( t \) whenever \( C(t) = 0 \).
- t-intercepts are the solutions to the equation \( C(t) = 0 \).
- They represent the horizontal points where the graph meets the t-axis.
- For the function \( C(t) = 2t(t-3)(t+1)^2 \), setting \( C(t) = 0 \) initiates the process of finding these intercepts.
Zero-Product Property
The Zero-Product Property is a fundamental concept in algebra, which is critical for solving polynomial equations that have been factored into products of smaller expressions. It states that if a product of two or more factors is zero, then at least one of the factors must also be zero.
- This property allows us to solve equations like \( 2t(t-3)(t+1)^2 = 0 \) by splitting it into smaller equations: \( 2t = 0 \), \( t-3 = 0 \), \( (t+1)^2 = 0 \).
- By applying this property, you can solve for each factor individually to find possible solutions for \( t \).
Solve Polynomial Equations
Solving polynomial equations involves finding the values of \( t \) that satisfy the equation, typically by setting the polynomial equal to zero. In the case of our exercise, this involves using both the Zero-Product Property and factoring.
- First, represent the equation in factored form, like \( C(t) = 2t(t-3)(t+1)^2 \).
- Set \( C(t) = 0 \) and apply the Zero-Product Property to determine each factor.
- The factors are solved individually: \( 2t = 0 \) leads to \( t = 0 \), \( t-3 = 0 \) gives \( t = 3 \), and \( (t+1)^2 = 0 \) results in \( t = -1 \).
- These solutions are your t-intercepts.