Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Zeros of a Polynomial
The zeros of a polynomial function are the values of x for which the function equals zero. These points are where the graph intersects the x-axis. To find the zeros, we set the polynomial equal to zero and solve for x, often using factoring, the quadratic formula, or synthetic division.
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Multiplicity of Zeros
The multiplicity of a zero refers to the number of times a particular zero appears as a root of the polynomial. If a zero has an odd multiplicity, the graph will cross the x-axis at that zero. Conversely, if a zero has an even multiplicity, the graph will touch the x-axis and turn around at that point.
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Graph Behavior at Zeros
The behavior of a polynomial graph at its zeros is determined by the multiplicity of each zero. A zero with odd multiplicity results in the graph crossing the x-axis, while a zero with even multiplicity causes the graph to touch the x-axis and reverse direction. Understanding this behavior helps in sketching the graph accurately.
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