Quick question of polynomial function

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the equation of polynomial functions based on given characteristics, such as zeros and y-intercepts. Participants are exploring properties of polynomial functions, including leading coefficients and the implications of y-intercepts on function forms.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to derive the leading coefficient from the y-intercept and the function's form. Questions arise about the validity of including the y-intercept in the polynomial equation and how it affects the roots. There is also exploration of the implications of transformations on polynomial graphs.

Discussion Status

Some participants are providing guidance on how to correctly interpret the leading coefficient and the role of the y-intercept. Multiple interpretations of how to approach the problem are being explored, particularly regarding the inclusion of constants in the polynomial equation.

Contextual Notes

There is confusion regarding the relationship between the y-intercept and the leading coefficient, as well as the effect of transformations on the polynomial's graph. Participants are questioning the assumptions made about the polynomial's structure based on the information provided.

Nelo
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Homework Statement



Determien an euation for each polynomial function described below state whether the function is even, odd or neither. Sketch a graph of each.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



My question is.. If youre given information like this ::

a) A quintic function with zeroes at -2(o3) and 3(o2) and that has a y intercept at 70.

From this statement, are you able to determine the value of the leading coefficiant ( ALWAYS?)

So a) would be.. y = (x+2)^3 (x-3)^2 + 70

If i set X = 0, then y= (0+2)^3 (0-3)^2 + 70

Which gives me (2)^3 * (-3)^2 which is 72.

Do i then do the y intercept value over the value of setting the f(0) ?

Like The leading coefficiant for this one would be 70/72(x+2)^3(x-3)^2 + 70

Is that correct?

Plz answer!

In the back of the book the "+70" is gone.. So that represents a vertical stretch of that value instead of the y intercept? I am confused. Why is that the coefficiant
 
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y = (x+2)^3 (x-3)^2 + 70 doesn't have zeros at x=(-2) or x=3. Does it? Get rid of the 70 and do it again. You've got the leading coefficient right.
 
What do you mean..? It says in the question "With a y intercept of 70" , why don't that work..? i get rid of the 70 and do wat? , i got that leading coefficiant by dividing 70 by the value of plugging in 0 into x. How else can i do it?
 
Nelo said:
What do you mean..? It says in the question "With a y intercept of 70" , why don't that work..? i get rid of the 70 and do wat? , i got that leading coefficiant by dividing 70 by the value of plugging in 0 into x. How else can i do it?

I mean if you put x=(-2) or x=3 into y = (x+2)^3 (x-3)^2 + 70 you don't get zero for y. They aren't roots. Just start with y = A (x+2)^3 (x-3)^2 and determine A so you get y=70 at x=0.
 
ohh okay, and i do that anytime i get a Y intercept value but no leading coefficiant value right?

So if it told me y int was -14 then y = (x+2)^3 (x-3)^2 -14

y = a(0+2)^3 (0-3)^2 -14

Then solve that, and it becomes a part of a, move one to the other side and divide, right?

Does the -14 join with the a?

Like.. 0= 72a -14 14 = 72a 14/72 . ?
 
Nelo said:
ohh okay, and i do that anytime i get a Y intercept value but no leading coefficiant value right?

So if it told me y int was -14 then y = (x+2)^3 (x-3)^2 -14

y = a(0+2)^3 (0-3)^2 -14

Then solve that, and it becomes a part of a, move one to the other side and divide, right?

Does the -14 join with the a?

Like.. 0= 72a -14 14 = 72a 14/72 . ?

There is NO REASON to put the -14 into y = (x+2)^3 (x-3)^2 -14 to begin with. I don't know why you are doing it. It makes the y value at x=(-2) and x=3 equal to -14, not the value at x=0, y=-14. The only part of y = (x+2)^3 (x-3)^2 you can adjust and still keep the roots is the leading coefficient.
 
ok... but the value of the y intercept(when stated) divided by the value of setting f(0) gives me the leading coefficiant right?
 
Another question.. If i have a grah like (1-x)^4 , then i can remove the x..

[-(x-1)]^4

Does that mean its a reflection on the y axis? Why does the graph still go from q2 to q1 with a upward opening.. It doesn't even reflect. Or am i jus removing a negetive to simplify it, so it doesn't mean y-axis reflection?

-x+1
 
Nelo said:
Another question.. If i have a grah like (1-x)^4 , then i can remove the x..

[-(x-1)]^4

Does that mean its a reflection on the y axis? Why does the graph still go from q2 to q1 with a upward opening.. It doesn't even reflect. Or am i jus removing a negetive to simplify it, so it doesn't mean y-axis reflection?

-x+1
(1 - x)4 = (-(1 - x))4 = (x - 1)4, for all real x. Note that 1 - x [itex]\neq[/itex], because these quanties have opposite signs.

The graph of y = (1 - x)4 is its own reflection across the vertical line x = 1, but not across the y-axis (the line x = 0).
 

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