Chapter 3: Problem 67
Graph the family of polynomials in the same viewing rectangle, using the given values of \(c .\) Explain how changing the value of \(c\) affects the graph. $$P(x)=x^{4}+c ; \quad c=-1,0,1,2$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
Changing \(c\) shifts the graph of \(x^4\) vertically by \(c\) units; up for positive \(c\) and down for negative \(c\).
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Polynomial Function
The given polynomial is \(P(x) = x^4 + c\). This represents a family of polynomials based on the value of \(c\). The core shape is determined by \(x^4\), a quartic function, while \(c\) controls its vertical shift.
02
Define the Values of \(c\)
We need to evaluate and graph the polynomial for \(c = -1, 0, 1, 2\). Each value of \(c\) results in a vertical translation of the graph of \(x^4\).
03
Graph for \(c = -1\)
Substituting \(c = -1\) in \(P(x)\), we get \(P(x) = x^4 - 1\). This graph shifts the base graph \(x^4\) down by 1 unit.
04
Graph for \(c = 0\)
For \(c = 0\), \(P(x) = x^4 + 0 = x^4\). This is the standard graph centered at the origin with no vertical shift.
05
Graph for \(c = 1\)
With \(c = 1\), the function becomes \(P(x) = x^4 + 1\). This graph shifts the base graph \(x^4\) upward by 1 unit.
06
Graph for \(c = 2\)
Here, \(c = 2\) gives \(P(x) = x^4 + 2\). This graph shifts the base graph \(x^4\) upward by 2 units.
07
Analyzing the Effect of \(c\)
Changing the value of \(c\) vertically translates the graph \(x^4\). Increasing \(c\) moves it upward, while decreasing \(c\) moves it downward without affecting its shape.
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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 a fundamental part of algebra and calculus. They are expressions consisting of variables and coefficients, exhibiting terms that are combined using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and non-negative integer exponents. The function we are exploring here, which is given by \(P(x) = x^4 + c\), is a clear example of a polynomial function.
- Polynomials can have one term (known as monomials), two terms (binomials), or more terms (polynomial).
- The degree of a polynomial is determined by the term with the highest exponent. In \(x^4 + c\), the degree is 4, indicating a quartic polynomial.
- Coefficients are the numerical factors of the terms, and in this case, the leading coefficient is 1, as indicated by \(x^4\).
Quartic Functions
Quartic functions are polynomial functions where the highest power of the variable is four. The general form of a quartic function is \(ax^4 + bx^3 + cx^2 + dx + e\), but in our case, it simplifies to \(x^4 + c\). Introducing \(c\) in this way influences the graph, while the primary quartic shape is given by \(x^4\).
- Nearly symmetric around the vertical line through its vertex, the graph of a basic quartic \(x^4\) resembles a "U" shape where the arms expand slower than a parabola.
- Its most distinct feature is having up to four real roots and a possible complex structure depending on its coefficients.
- The steepness and width of the quartic's arms provide insight into its rate of change and extremities.
Vertical Translation
This concept in mathematics refers to shifting a graph either upward or downward on the coordinate plane. When dealing with polynomial functions such as our quartic \(P(x) = x^4 + c\), the value of \(c\) plays a crucial role.
- A positive \(c\) value shifts the entire graph upwards. For example, \(c = 1\) moves \(x^4\) up one unit.
- Conversely, a negative \(c\) pushes the graph downward, which is seen when \(c = -1\), pulling it down one unit.
- This vertical translation does not affect the shape or orientation, only the vertical position.