College Algebra 7th Edition

Published by Brooks Cole
ISBN 10: 1305115546
ISBN 13: 978-1-30511-554-5

Chapter 3, Polynomial and Rational Functions - Section 3.4 - Real Zeros of Polynomials - 3.4 Exercises - Page 319: 4

Answer

False.

Work Step by Step

Take $P(x)=(x+5)(x-1)=x^{2}+4x-5.$ We know the zeros are -5 and 2. Let's see if 2 is an upper bound (it should be): $\left.\begin{array}{l} 2\lfloor \\ \\ \\ \end{array}\right.\begin{array}{rrr} 1 &4&-5\\\hline &2 &6\\\hline 1&6&6\end{array}$ All the entries in the bottom row are positive, so 2 is an upper bound. But, $-2$ isn't a lower bound, because there is a zero $(x=-5)$ to the left of it. This counterexample disproves the statement.
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