Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Polynomial Functions
A polynomial function is a mathematical expression involving a sum of powers in one or more variables multiplied by coefficients. The general form is f(x) = a_n*x^n + a_(n-1)*x^(n-1) + ... + a_1*x + a_0, where 'n' is a non-negative integer and 'a_n' is not zero. Understanding polynomial functions is crucial for analyzing their behavior, including finding zeros.
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Zeros of a Polynomial
The zeros of a polynomial function are the values of 'x' for which the function equals zero. These points are also known as roots and can be found by factoring the polynomial or using the quadratic formula for second-degree polynomials. Each zero can have a multiplicity, indicating how many times it is repeated as a root.
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Multiplicity of Zeros
Multiplicity refers to the number of times a particular zero appears in the factorization of a polynomial. If a zero has an odd multiplicity, the graph of the polynomial will cross the x-axis at that zero, while an even multiplicity means the graph will touch the x-axis and turn around. Understanding multiplicity is essential for sketching the graph of the polynomial and predicting its behavior near the zeros.
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