10. Roots and Zeros
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If a is a zero of f(x)=0, then (x-a) is a factor of f(x).
f(x)=x^3+2x^2-23x-60
We want to write a polynomial function with integral coefficients so that f(x)=0 has the given zeros.
-4, -3, 5
| Root | Factor |
|---|---|
| -4 | x-(-4) |
| -3 | x-(-3) |
| 5 | x-5 |
| Polynomial | f(x)= [x-(-4)] [x-(-3)] (x-5) |
Let's simplify the polynomial by applying the Distributive Property. For simplicity, we will start by multiplying the first two factors and then we will multiply the result by the last factor.
- (- a)=a
Distribute (x+3)
Distribute (x-5)