Write an equation for the polynomial function graphed. -3 -2 -1 -2 -4 f(x) = 67

College Algebra
7th Edition
ISBN:9781305115545
Author:James Stewart, Lothar Redlin, Saleem Watson
Publisher:James Stewart, Lothar Redlin, Saleem Watson
Chapter3: Polynomial And Rational Functions
Section: Chapter Questions
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### Writing an Equation for a Polynomial Function

In this exercise, you are given a graph of a polynomial function and asked to determine its algebraic equation.

#### Graph Analysis

The graph presented has the following key characteristics:

- It appears to be a smooth curve, which is typical of polynomial functions.
- The function has three roots (where it crosses the x-axis) at approximately \( x = -3 \), \( x = 1\), and \( x = 3 \).
- The curve changes direction at four points, indicating turning points or local extrema.
- The polynomial appears to be of degree 4, as it has three turning points.

#### Identifying the Polynomial Function

Considering the general form of a polynomial equation:
\[ f(x) = a(x + 3)(x - 1)(x - 3) \]
where \( a \) is a scalar multiplier that defines the vertical stretch or shrink of the function.

#### Graph Point Analysis

- **X-intercepts**: The polynomial has roots at \( x = -3 \), \( x = 1 \), and \( x = 3 \).
- **Y-intercept**: The value of the function when \( x = 0 \). Visually locating the point of intersection on the y-axis helps to determine the coefficient \( a \).

### Equation Construction

Given these roots, the polynomial function in factored form could be expressed as:
\[ f(x) = a(x + 3)(x - 1)(x - 3) \]

To determine the exact polynomial, the value of \( a \) can be calculated by substituting a specific point on the graph into the function.

### Example

Suppose the graph passes through the point \((0, -6)\):
\[ -6 = a(0 + 3)(0 - 1)(0 - 3) \]
\[ -6 = a(3)(-1)(-3) \]
\[ -6 = 9a \]
\[ a = -\frac{6}{9} = -\frac{2}{3} \]

Thus, the polynomial function is approximately:
\[ f(x) = -\frac{2}{3}(x + 3)(x - 1)(x - 3) \]

### Final Polynomial Function

\[ f(x) = -\frac{2}{3} (x + 3)(x - 1)(x -
Transcribed Image Text:### Writing an Equation for a Polynomial Function In this exercise, you are given a graph of a polynomial function and asked to determine its algebraic equation. #### Graph Analysis The graph presented has the following key characteristics: - It appears to be a smooth curve, which is typical of polynomial functions. - The function has three roots (where it crosses the x-axis) at approximately \( x = -3 \), \( x = 1\), and \( x = 3 \). - The curve changes direction at four points, indicating turning points or local extrema. - The polynomial appears to be of degree 4, as it has three turning points. #### Identifying the Polynomial Function Considering the general form of a polynomial equation: \[ f(x) = a(x + 3)(x - 1)(x - 3) \] where \( a \) is a scalar multiplier that defines the vertical stretch or shrink of the function. #### Graph Point Analysis - **X-intercepts**: The polynomial has roots at \( x = -3 \), \( x = 1 \), and \( x = 3 \). - **Y-intercept**: The value of the function when \( x = 0 \). Visually locating the point of intersection on the y-axis helps to determine the coefficient \( a \). ### Equation Construction Given these roots, the polynomial function in factored form could be expressed as: \[ f(x) = a(x + 3)(x - 1)(x - 3) \] To determine the exact polynomial, the value of \( a \) can be calculated by substituting a specific point on the graph into the function. ### Example Suppose the graph passes through the point \((0, -6)\): \[ -6 = a(0 + 3)(0 - 1)(0 - 3) \] \[ -6 = a(3)(-1)(-3) \] \[ -6 = 9a \] \[ a = -\frac{6}{9} = -\frac{2}{3} \] Thus, the polynomial function is approximately: \[ f(x) = -\frac{2}{3}(x + 3)(x - 1)(x - 3) \] ### Final Polynomial Function \[ f(x) = -\frac{2}{3} (x + 3)(x - 1)(x -
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