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 as they represent the x-intercepts of the graph. To find the zeros, one typically sets the polynomial equal to zero and solves for x, which may involve factoring, using 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, indicating a change in direction without crossing.
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Graph Behavior at Zeros
Understanding how a graph behaves at its zeros is essential for sketching the polynomial's graph. At a zero with odd multiplicity, the graph crosses the x-axis, while at a zero with even multiplicity, it merely touches the x-axis. This behavior helps in predicting the overall shape of the graph and the number of times it intersects the x-axis.
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