Chapter 3: Problem 265
For the following exercises, graph the potynomial functions. Note \(x\) - and \(y\) -intercepts, multiplicity, and end behavior. $$ g(x)=(x+4)(x-1)^{2} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
x-intercepts: -4 (crosses), 1 (touches); y-intercept: (0, 4); End behavior: \(\pm\infty\).
Step by step solution
01
Find the x-intercepts
To find the x-intercepts, set the function equal to zero and solve for \(x\): \ \(g(x) = (x + 4)(x - 1)^2 = 0\). \ The x-intercepts occur when each factor equals zero: \ \(x + 4 = 0 \Rightarrow x = -4\) and \ \((x - 1)^2 = 0 \Rightarrow x = 1\). \ So, the x-intercepts are \(x = -4\) and \(x = 1\).
02
Determine the multiplicity of the x-intercepts
The multiplicity of an x-intercept is determined by the exponent on its corresponding factor. For \(x = -4\), the factor is \((x + 4)^1\), so its multiplicity is 1 (odd). For \(x = 1\), the factor is \((x - 1)^2\), so its multiplicity is 2 (even).
03
Find the y-intercept
The y-intercept occurs where \(x = 0\). Substitute \(x = 0\) into the function: \ \(g(0) = (0 + 4)(0 - 1)^2 = 4 \times 1 = 4\). \ Therefore, the y-intercept is \( (0, 4) \).
04
Determine the end behavior
The end behavior of a polynomial is determined by its leading term. Expand the expression \(g(x) = (x + 4)(x - 1)^2\): \ \((x + 4)(x^2 - 2x + 1) = x^3 + 2x^2 - 7x + 4\). \ The leading term is \(x^3\), which indicates the end behavior. \ As \(x \rightarrow \infty\), \(g(x) \rightarrow \infty\) and as \(x \rightarrow -\infty\), \(g(x) \rightarrow -\infty\).
05
Sketch the graph
Plot the x-intercepts \((-4, 0)\) and \((1, 0)\), the y-intercept \((0, 4)\), and outline the end behavior. Remember the x-intercept at \(-4\) crosses the x-axis due to odd multiplicity and the intercept at \(1\) touches the x-axis but does not cross it due to even multiplicity. The leading term \(x^3\) guides the ends going in opposite directions.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
x-intercepts
When graphing polynomial functions, finding the x-intercepts is essential. These are the points on the graph where the function crosses the x-axis. In mathematical terms, this is where the value of the function is zero. For the polynomial function \(g(x) = (x + 4)(x - 1)^2\), you set the function equal to zero and solve for \(x\), giving us:
- \(x + 4 = 0\), thus \(x = -4\)
- \((x - 1)^2 = 0\), thus \(x = 1\)
y-intercepts
The y-intercept of a graph is where the graph intersects the y-axis. At this point, the value of \(x\) is zero. To find the y-intercept of the function \(g(x)=(x+4)(x-1)^2\), plug in \(x = 0\) into the function:\[g(0) = (0 + 4)(0 - 1)^2 = 4 \times 1 = 4\]Hence, the y-intercept of the graph is at the point \((0, 4)\). This tells you where the graph will touch or cross the y-axis, which is vital for creating accurate plots when graphing polynomial functions.
multiplicity
Multiplicity refers to how many times a particular x-intercept appears as a root of the function. It influences how the graph behaves at the intercepts:
- A factor with an odd multiplicity, like \((x+4)^1\), means the graph will cross the x-axis at that point.
- A factor with an even multiplicity, like \((x-1)^2\), means the graph touches but doesn’t cross the x-axis.
end behavior
End behavior describes what happens to the value of a polynomial function as \(x\) approaches positive or negative infinity. The end behavior is primarily determined by the leading term of the polynomial. When we expand \(g(x) = (x+4)(x-1)^2\) to \(x^3 + 2x^2 - 7x + 4\), we see the leading term is \(x^3\).With a cubic leading term:
- As \(x \rightarrow \infty\), \(g(x) \rightarrow \infty\).
- As \(x \rightarrow -\infty\), \(g(x) \rightarrow -\infty\).