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 crucial for understanding the behavior of the graph, as they indicate where the graph intersects or touches the x-axis. To find the zeros, one typically sets the polynomial equal to zero and solves for x.
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Multiplicity of Zeros
Multiplicity refers to the number of times a particular zero appears as a factor in 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, indicating a change in direction without crossing.
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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. For zeros with odd multiplicity, the graph crosses the x-axis, while for those with even multiplicity, it merely touches the x-axis. Understanding this behavior helps in sketching the graph and predicting how it will interact with the x-axis at each zero.
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