Chapter 5: Problem 99
Find a three-term polynomial of degree 2 whose value will be 1 when it is evaluated for \(x=2\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The polynomial is \( f(x) = x^2 - 3 \).
Step by step solution
01
Define the General Form of a Quadratic Polynomial
A three-term polynomial of degree 2 can be generally expressed as \( f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c \). This polynomial includes three coefficients \(a\), \(b\), and \(c\), which we need to determine.
02
Plug in the Condition
We know that \( f(2) = 1 \). Substitute \( x = 2 \) into the polynomial equation: \( a(2)^2 + b(2) + c = 1 \). This simplifies to \( 4a + 2b + c = 1 \).
03
Assign Values for Simplicity
Since there are infinitely many solutions, we'll choose convenient values for \(a\) and \(b\) to keep calculations simple. Let's choose \(a = 1\) and \(b = 0\).
04
Solve for c
Substitute \(a = 1\) and \(b = 0\) back into the equation: \(4(1) + 2(0) + c = 1\), which simplifies to \(4 + c = 1\). Solve for \(c\): \( c = 1 - 4 \) or \( c = -3 \).
05
Construct the Polynomial
The polynomial with the values of \(a\), \(b\), and \(c\) is therefore \( f(x) = x^2 - 3 \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Polynomial Functions
Polynomial functions are expressions involving variables and coefficients, structured in a specific format using powers of a variable. They are foundational in algebra due to their simplicity and the depth of the mathematical concepts they introduce.
- **General Form**: A polynomial function can be written in the form: \( f(x) = a_n x^n + a_{n-1} x^{n-1} + \ldots + a_1 x + a_0 \), where \( n \) is a non-negative integer, and \( a_n, a_{n-1}, \ldots, a_0 \) are constants known as coefficients.
- **Types of Polynomials**: Depending on the power, we categorize them as linear (degree 1), quadratic (degree 2), cubic (degree 3), etc.
Degree of a Polynomial
The degree of a polynomial is a crucial aspect that determines its behavior and properties. It is the highest power of the variable present in the polynomial expression.
- **Understanding Degree**: For example, in the polynomial \( 3x^2 + 5x + 7 \), the degree is 2 because the term with the highest power of \( x \) is \( 3x^2 \).
- **Impact of Degree**: The degree indicates how many roots the polynomial could potentially have and the number of times a polynomial might intersect the x-axis.
Coefficients of a Polynomial
Coefficients play a vital role in defining the specific properties of a polynomial. They determine the scale and position of the graph of the polynomial function.
- **Definition**: Coefficients are the numerical factors multiplied by each term of the polynomial. In \( ax^2 + bx + c \), \( a \), \( b \), and \( c \) are the coefficients.
- **Role of Each Coefficient**:
- The coefficient \( a \) (leading coefficient) influences the width and direction of the parabola.
- The coefficient \( b \) affects the position of the vertex horizontally.
- The constant term \( c \) represents the y-intercept.