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Use technology to find the maximum and minimum values on the interval [ −1 , 4 ] of the function f ( x ) = 0.2 ( x 2 ) 3 ( x + 1 ) 2 ( x 4 ) .

The minimum occurs at approximately the point ( 0 , 6.5 ) , and the maximum occurs at approximately the point ( 3.5 , 7 ) .

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Access the following online resource for additional instruction and practice with graphing polynomial functions.

Key concepts

  • Polynomial functions of degree 2 or more are smooth, continuous functions. See [link] .
  • To find the zeros of a polynomial function, if it can be factored, factor the function and set each factor equal to zero. See [link] , [link] , and [link] .
  • Another way to find the x - intercepts of a polynomial function is to graph the function and identify the points at which the graph crosses the x - axis. See [link] .
  • The multiplicity of a zero determines how the graph behaves at the x - intercepts. See [link] .
  • The graph of a polynomial will cross the horizontal axis at a zero with odd multiplicity.
  • The graph of a polynomial will touch the horizontal axis at a zero with even multiplicity.
  • The end behavior of a polynomial function depends on the leading term.
  • The graph of a polynomial function changes direction at its turning points.
  • A polynomial function of degree n has at most n 1 turning points. See [link] .
  • To graph polynomial functions, find the zeros and their multiplicities, determine the end behavior, and ensure that the final graph has at most n 1 turning points. See [link] and [link] .
  • Graphing a polynomial function helps to estimate local and global extremas. See [link] .
  • The Intermediate Value Theorem tells us that if f ( a )   and   f ( b ) have opposite signs, then there exists at least one value c between a and b for which f ( c ) = 0. See [link] .

Section exercises

Verbal

What is the difference between an x - intercept and a zero of a polynomial function f ?

The x - intercept is where the graph of the function crosses the x - axis, and the zero of the function is the input value for which f ( x ) = 0.

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If a polynomial function of degree n has n distinct zeros, what do you know about the graph of the function?

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Explain how the Intermediate Value Theorem can assist us in finding a zero of a function.

If we evaluate the function at a and at b and the sign of the function value changes, then we know a zero exists between a and b .

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Explain how the factored form of the polynomial helps us in graphing it.

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If the graph of a polynomial just touches the x - axis and then changes direction, what can we conclude about the factored form of the polynomial?

There will be a factor raised to an even power.

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Algebraic

For the following exercises, find the x - or t -intercepts of the polynomial functions.

C ( t ) = 2 ( t 4 ) ( t + 1 ) ( t 6 )

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C ( t ) = 3 ( t + 2 ) ( t 3 ) ( t + 5 )

( 2 , 0 ) , ( 3 , 0 ) , ( 5 , 0 )

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C ( t ) = 4 t ( t 2 ) 2 ( t + 1 )

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C ( t ) = 2 t ( t 3 ) ( t + 1 ) 2

( 3 , 0 ) , ( 1 , 0 ) , ( 0 , 0 )

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C ( t ) = 2 t 4 8 t 3 + 6 t 2

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C ( t ) = 4 t 4 + 12 t 3 40 t 2

( 0 , 0 ) ,   ( 5 , 0 ) ,   ( 2 , 0 )

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f ( x ) = x 4 x 2

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f ( x ) = x 3 + x 2 20 x

( 0 , 0 ) ,   ( 5 , 0 ) ,   ( 4 , 0 )

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f ( x ) = x 3 + 6 x 2 7 x

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f ( x ) = x 3 + x 2 4 x 4

( 2 , 0 ) ,   ( 2 , 0 ) ,   ( 1 , 0 )

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f ( x ) = x 3 + 2 x 2 9 x 18

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f ( x ) = 2 x 3 x 2 8 x + 4

( 2 , 0 ) , ( 2 , 0 ) , ( 1 2 , 0 )

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f ( x ) = x 6 7 x 3 8

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f ( x ) = 2 x 4 + 6 x 2 8

( 1 , 0 ) ,   ( 1 , 0 )

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f ( x ) = x 3 3 x 2 x + 3

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f ( x ) = x 6 2 x 4 3 x 2

( 0 , 0 ) , ( 3 , 0 ) , ( 3 , 0 )

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f ( x ) = x 6 3 x 4 4 x 2

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Questions & Answers

how does the planets on our solar system orbit
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Astronomy (from Ancient Greek ἀστρονομία (astronomía) 'science that studies the laws of the stars') is a natural science that studies celestial objects and phenomena. It uses mathematics, physics, and chemistry in order to explain their origin and evolution.
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No
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the big bang theory is a theory which states that all matter was compressed together in one place the matter got so unstable it exploded releasing All its contents in the form of hydrogen
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solar Univers
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is the big bang the sun
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no
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bigbang is the beginning of the universe
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but thats just a theory
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nothing will happen, don't worry brother.
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these are Rocky substances between mars and jupiter
GANGAIN
Comets are cosmic snowballs of frozen gases , rock and dust that orbit the sun. They are mostly found between the orbits of Venus and Mercury.
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hey can anyone guide me abt international astronomy olympiad
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how can we learn right and true ?
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why the moon is always appear in an elliptical shape
Gatjuol Reply
Because when astroid hit the Earth then a piece of elliptical shape of the earth was separated which is now called moon.
Hemen
what's see level?
lidiya Reply
Did you mean eye sight or sea level
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oh sorry it's sea level
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according to the theory of astronomers why the moon is always appear in an elliptical orbit?
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hi !!! I am new in astronomy.... I have so many questions in mind .... all of scientists of the word they just give opinion only. but they never think true or false ... i respect all of them... I believes whole universe depending on true ...থিউরি
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we're all stars and galaxies a part of sun. how can science prove thx with respect old ancient times picture or books..or anything with respect to present time .but we r a part of that universe
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another theory of universe except big ban
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how was universe born
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there many theory to born universe but what is the reality of big bang theory to born universe
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there are many theories regarding this it's on you believe any theory that you think is true ex. eternal inflation theory, oscillation model theory, multiple universe theory the big bang theory etc.
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from where on earth could u observe all the stars during the during the course of an year
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I think it couldn't possible on earth
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in this time i don't Know
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is that so. the question was in the end of this chapter
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in theory, you could see them all from the equator (though over the course of a year, not at pne time). stars are measured in "declination", which is how far N or S of the equator (90* to -90*). Polaris is the North star, and is ALMOST 90* (+89*). So it would just barely creep over the horizon.
Christopher
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Source:  OpenStax, Precalculus. OpenStax CNX. Jan 19, 2016 Download for free at https://legacy.cnx.org/content/col11667/1.6
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