Chapter 2: Problem 67
For each polynomial function given: (a) list each real zero and its multiplicity; (b) determine whether the graph touches or crosses at each \(x\) -intercept; (c) find the \(y\) -intercept and a few points on the graph; (d) determine the end behavior; and (e) sketch the graph. $$f(x)=x^{2}(x-2)^{3}(x+3)^{2}$$
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Find Real Zeros and Their Multiplicities
Determine Graph Behavior at Each Zero
Compute the y-Intercept
Find Additional Points
Determine End Behavior
Sketch the Graph
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Real Zeros
In the case of the polynomial \(f(x) = x^2(x-2)^3(x+3)^2\), the real zeros can be determined by setting each factor equal to zero:
- \(x^2 = 0\): This gives \(x = 0\) with a multiplicity of 2.
- \((x-2)^3 = 0\): This gives \(x = 2\) with a multiplicity of 3.
- \((x+3)^2 = 0\): This gives \(x = -3\) with a multiplicity of 2.
Multiplicity
For \(f(x) = x^2(x-2)^3(x+3)^2\):
- Zero \(x = 0\) has multiplicity 2, meaning the graph touches the x-axis and turns back at this point.
- Zero \(x = 2\) has multiplicity 3, indicating the graph crosses the x-axis and flattens out as it passes through.
- Zero \(x = -3\) also has multiplicity 2, where the graph touches and turns around.
End Behavior
The degree and leading coefficient are critical here. The polynomial \(f(x) = x^2(x-2)^3(x+3)^2\) is of degree 7 (sum of multiplicities), which is odd, and its leading coefficient is positive:
- As \(x \to \infty\), \(f(x) \to \infty\).
- As \(x \to -\infty\), \(f(x) \to -\infty\).
x-intercept
For \(f(x) = x^2(x-2)^3(x+3)^2\), the x-intercepts correspond to its real zeros:
- At \(x = 0\), the graph touches the axis and turns back due to a multiplicity of 2.
- At \(x = 2\), the graph crosses the axis and flattens because of a multiplicity of 3.
- At \(x = -3\), the graph again touches and turns back because of a multiplicity of 2.
y-intercept
For the polynomial \(f(x) = x^2(x-2)^3(x+3)^2\), the y-intercept is calculated as follows:
- Substitute \(x = 0\) into the function: \(f(0) = 0^2(0-2)^3(0+3)^2 = 0\).
This point gives a starting reference on the y-coordinate and ensures the graph is plotted accurately.