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
Problem 1P
Related questions
Question
![### 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 -](/v2/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcontent.bartleby.com%2Fqna-images%2Fquestion%2F9072c5f8-5632-4fa6-afcd-5fe35f88b36f%2Fcf67815c-f325-4045-9eb9-40d2e8b8ce9e%2F7hz46lt_processed.jpeg&w=3840&q=75)
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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