Chapter 5: Problem 105
Use synthetic division to find the function values. \(g(x)=x^{3}-6 x^{2}+3 x+10 ;\) find \(g(-5)\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
g(-5) = -280
Step by step solution
01
- Set up synthetic division
Write down the coefficients of the polynomial. For the function \(g(x) = x^3 - 6x^2 + 3x + 10\), the coefficients are 1, -6, 3, and 10. Notice that we do not skip any powers of x. Now, set up the synthetic division with \(-5\) on the left and these coefficients on the right:
02
- Bring down the leading coefficient
The first coefficient (1) is brought down. This is the initial value present in our solution.
03
- Multiply and add
Multiply \(-5\) by the value you just brought down (1). This gives \(-5\). Write this result under the next coefficient (-6). Add these two values: \(-6 + (-5) = -11\).
04
- Repeat the multiply and add process
Continue this process for the remaining coefficients:- Multiply \(-5\) by \(-11\): \(-5 \times -11 = 55\). Write this under the next coefficient (3). Add these values: \(3 + 55 = 58\).- Multiply \(-5\) by 58: \(-5 \times 58 = -290\). Write this under the next coefficient (10). Add these values: \(10 + (-290) = -280\).
05
- Final result
The last number in the bottom row is the remainder, which is also the value of \(g(-5)\). Based on the calculations, \(g(-5) = -280\).
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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 a sum of powers in one or more variables multiplied by coefficients. An example of a polynomial function is \(g(x) = x^3 - 6x^2 + 3x + 10\). Each term in a polynomial function has a coefficient (like 1, -6, 3, and 10 in our example) and a power of the variable (x).
Polynomials are quite common in mathematics and have various applications.
Polynomials are quite common in mathematics and have various applications.
- The highest power of the variable in a polynomial defines its degree. In our example, the degree is 3 because the highest power of x is 3.
- Polynomial functions can be used to model real-world situations and solve practical problems.
Coefficients
Coefficients are the numerical components of the terms in a polynomial function. In the polynomial function \(g(x) = x^3 - 6x^2 + 3x + 10\), the coefficients are 1, -6, 3, and 10.
- The coefficient in front of the highest power of x is called the leading coefficient. In our example, the leading coefficient is 1. Bringing this coefficient down is the first step in synthetic division.
- Coefficients can be positive or negative and can greatly affect the shape and behavior of the polynomial's graph.
- These values are essential when performing operations such as synthetic division since they provide the necessary numerical values for calculations.
Function Evaluation
Function evaluation involves finding the value of a function for a specific input. In our case, we needed to find \(g(-5)\) for the polynomial function \(g(x) = x^3 - 6x^2 + 3x + 10\).
- Function evaluation can be done by direct substitution or methods like synthetic division. For complex polynomials, synthetic division is a slick way to simplify the process.
- In synthetic division, we use the specific input (in our case, -5), and apply it to the simplified form of the polynomial to obtain the result.
- This method is efficient and reduces the risk of errors as computations are straightforward and sequential.