Chapter 3: Problem 11
Sketch the graph of the polynomial function. Make sure your graph shows all intercepts and exhibits the proper end behavior. $$P(x)=(x-1)(x+2)$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
Intercepts: (1, 0), (-2, 0), and (0, -2). Graph is a parabola opening upwards.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Intercepts
The polynomial function is given by \(P(x)=(x-1)(x+2)\). To find the x-intercepts, set \(P(x) = 0\). Solving \((x-1)(x+2) = 0\), we have two solutions: \(x = 1\) and \(x = -2\). These are the x-intercepts of the function. The y-intercept occurs when \(x = 0\), so calculate \(P(0) = (0-1)(0+2) = -2\). Thus, the y-intercept is \((0, -2)\).
02
Determine End Behavior
Consider the degree and leading coefficient of the polynomial. The expression is already factored as \((x-1)(x+2)\), which multiplies to \(x^2 + x - 2\). Therefore, it is a quadratic polynomial with a positive leading coefficient. As \(x\rightarrow\infty\), \(P(x)\rightarrow\infty\) and as \(x\rightarrow -\infty\), \(P(x)\rightarrow\infty\). The graph opens upwards because the leading coefficient is positive.
03
Sketch the Graph
Plot the intercepts on a coordinate plane: intercepts are \((1, 0)\), \((-2, 0)\), and \((0, -2)\). Knowing the end behavior and that the graph is a parabola, sketch a curve opening upwards, passing through these intercepts. Ensure the tails of the parabola go upwards, confirming the end behavior deduced earlier.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
x-intercepts
The x-intercepts of a polynomial function are the points where the graph of the function crosses the x-axis. These are crucial for graphing, as they depict where the function equals zero.
To find the x-intercepts of the polynomial function given by \( P(x)=(x-1)(x+2) \), we solve the equation \( P(x) = 0 \).
This involves finding the values of \( x \) that make \( P(x) \) equal to zero.
To find the x-intercepts of the polynomial function given by \( P(x)=(x-1)(x+2) \), we solve the equation \( P(x) = 0 \).
This involves finding the values of \( x \) that make \( P(x) \) equal to zero.
- First, set each factor of the polynomial to zero: \((x-1)=0\) and \((x+2)=0\).
- Solving \(x-1=0\) gives \(x=1\).
- Solving \(x+2=0\) gives \(x=-2\).
y-intercepts
The y-intercept of a polynomial function is where the graph crosses the y-axis. This occurs when \( x = 0 \).
It represents the output of the polynomial when there is no input variable, which is a vital point for plotting the graph.
To find the y-intercept of \( P(x)=(x-1)(x+2) \), we calculate \( P(0) \) by substituting 0 in place of \( x \):
This means the graph will intersect the y-axis at the point where y is -2, serving as another anchor point for sketching the curve.
It represents the output of the polynomial when there is no input variable, which is a vital point for plotting the graph.
To find the y-intercept of \( P(x)=(x-1)(x+2) \), we calculate \( P(0) \) by substituting 0 in place of \( x \):
- \( P(0) = (0 - 1)(0 + 2) = -1 \times 2 = -2 \).
This means the graph will intersect the y-axis at the point where y is -2, serving as another anchor point for sketching the curve.
end behavior
End behavior in polynomial functions describes how the function behaves as \( x \) moves towards positive infinity \(( +\infty \)) or negative infinity \(( -\infty \)).
This is determined by the leading term of the polynomial when it is fully expanded. For the polynomial \( P(x)=(x-1)(x+2) \), it expands to \( x^2 + x - 2 \), with a leading term of \( x^2 \).
Let's understand the implications:
This means the ends of the graph will rise upward, creating the characteristic 'U' shape of a parabola opening upwards.
This is determined by the leading term of the polynomial when it is fully expanded. For the polynomial \( P(x)=(x-1)(x+2) \), it expands to \( x^2 + x - 2 \), with a leading term of \( x^2 \).
Let's understand the implications:
- The degree of the polynomial (2, in this case) indicates it is quadratic.
- The leading coefficient of \(x^2\) is positive.
This means the ends of the graph will rise upward, creating the characteristic 'U' shape of a parabola opening upwards.
quadratic polynomial
A quadratic polynomial is a polynomial of degree 2, characterized by the general form \( ax^2 + bx + c \).
These polynomials graph as parabolas, which may open upwards or downwards depending on the leading coefficient. For \( P(x)=(x-1)(x+2) \), upon expansion, we have \( P(x)=x^2+x-2 \).
These polynomials graph as parabolas, which may open upwards or downwards depending on the leading coefficient. For \( P(x)=(x-1)(x+2) \), upon expansion, we have \( P(x)=x^2+x-2 \).
- The polynomial has a leading term of \( x^2 \), confirming a degree of 2.
- The leading coefficient \( a \) is 1, which is positive, indicating the parabola opens upwards.
- Vertex: The highest or lowest point of the parabola. Not calculated directly here, but lies halfway between the roots \( x = 1 \) and \( x = -2 \).
- Symmetry: Quadratic graphs are symmetric about a vertical line passing through the vertex.