/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 25 Factor the polynomial completely... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91Ó°ÊÓ

91Ó°ÊÓ

Factor the polynomial completely and find all its zeros. State the multiplicity of each zero. $$Q(x)=x^{4}+2 x^{2}+1$$

Short Answer

Expert verified
Zeros are \( x = i \) and \( x = -i \) with multiplicity 2.

Step by step solution

01

Recognize the polynomial form

The given polynomial is \( Q(x) = x^4 + 2x^2 + 1 \). Notice it has the form of a quadratic equation in terms of \(x^2\). You can rewrite it as \((x^2)^2 + 2(x^2) + 1\).
02

Try substitution for ease

Let \( u = x^2 \). The polynomial then becomes \( u^2 + 2u + 1 \). This form makes it easier to apply quadratic methods.
03

Factor the quadratic expression

Factor the quadratic \( u^2 + 2u + 1 \). This can be rewritten as \((u+1)^2\) because it fits the formula \( a^2 + 2ab + b^2 = (a+b)^2 \), where \( a=u \) and \( b=1 \).
04

Resubstitute back to x

Since \( u = x^2 \), replace \( u \) in the factorization \((u+1)^2\) with \( x^2 \) to get \((x^2 + 1)^2\).
05

Solve for zeros by setting factors to zero

Set each factor equal to zero: \((x^2 + 1) = 0\). This leads to \( x^2 = -1 \). The solutions to this equation are \( x = i \) and \( x = -i \), where \( i \) is the imaginary unit.
06

Determine the multiplicity of the zeros

Since the factor \((x^2 + 1)\) appears squared, each of the zeros \( x = i \) and \( x = -i \) have a multiplicity of 2.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Quadratic Substitution
Quadratic substitution is a technique used to simplify polynomial expressions, especially when dealing with higher degree polynomials that display a clear quadratic form nested within them. In our exercise, the polynomial \( Q(x) = x^4 + 2x^2 + 1 \) is transformed using this method.

Here's how it works:
  • Identify patterns that resemble a quadratic equation. In this case, \( (x^2)^2 + 2(x^2) + 1 \) resembles the standard quadratic form \( a^2 + 2ab + b^2 \).
  • Introduce a substitution variable. We let \( u = x^2 \), giving us a simpler quadratic \( u^2 + 2u + 1 \).
  • Once transformed, solve or factor the equation as a standard quadratic.
  • After solving, substitute back the original variable to complete the solution process.
Quadratic substitution transforms a complex polynomial into a manageable one, allowing for straightforward factorization steps.
Zeros of a Polynomial
The zeros of a polynomial are the values of \( x \) that make the polynomial equal to zero. In other words, they are the roots or solutions to the polynomial equation. In solving our problem, the polynomial \( Q(x) = (x^2 + 1)^2 \) leads us to the equation \( (x^2 + 1) = 0 \).

Solving for zeros involves:
  • Setting each factor of the polynomial equal to zero, i.e., \( x^2 + 1 = 0 \).
  • Recognizing any complex solutions. Here, we get \( x^2 = -1 \), which gives solutions \( x = i \) and \( x = -i \), using \( i \) as the imaginary unit.
  • In some cases, when factors have real roots, additional steps may be required to find real values of \( x \).
By finding the zeros, one can understand the behavior and intersection points of a polynomial on a graph.
Multiplicity of Zeros
Multiplicity refers to the number of times a particular zero appears in a polynomial function. In mathematical terms, if a zero of a polynomial corresponds to the factor \((x - a)^n\), then that zero "a" has a multiplicity of \( n \).

Let's apply this concept:
  • In our exercise, after factoring, we have \((x^2 + 1)^2\), indicating that the zeros \( x = i \) and \( x = -i \) each appear twice, hence a multiplicity of 2.
  • Zeros with a higher multiplicity affect the shape of the polynomial's graph. For instance, zeros with even multiplicity typically touch the x-axis and turn around, whereas zeros with odd multiplicity will cross the axis.
  • Identifying multiplicity can give insights into the symmetry and extremity in the polynomial's behavior.
Understanding multiplicity is key to interpreting the polynomial's graph and predicting its behavior across the x-axis.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

In this chapter we adopted the convention that in rational functions, the numerator and denominator don’t share a common factor. In this exercise we consider the graph of a rational function that doesn’t satisfy this rule. (a) Show that the graph of $$r(x)=\frac{3 x^{2}-3 x-6}{x-2}$$ is the line \(y=3 x+3\) with the point \((2,9)\) removed. [Hint: Factor. What is the domain of \(r ?]\) (b) Graph the rational functions: $$\begin{aligned} &s(x)=\frac{x^{2}+x-20}{x+5}\\\ &t(x)=\frac{2 x^{2}-x-1}{x-1}\\\ &u(x)=\frac{x-2}{x^{2}-2 x} \end{aligned}$$

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Find the intercepts and asymptotes, and then sketch a graph of the rational function. Use a graphing device to confirm your answer. $$r(x)=\frac{4 x^{2}}{x^{2}-2 x-3}$$

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