Precalculus (10th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32197-907-9
ISBN 13: 978-0-32197-907-0

Chapter 4 - Polynomial and Rational Functions - 4.5 The Real Zeros of a Polynomial Function - 4.5 Assess Your Understanding - Page 233: 46

Answer

$\{-5,-4,1 \}$, $f(x)=(x+5)(x+4)(x-1)$

Work Step by Step

Step 1. Given $f(x)=x^3+8x^2+11x-20$, list possible rational zeros as $\frac{p}{q}=\pm1,\pm2,\pm4,\pm5,\pm10,\pm20$ Step 2. Use synthetic division as shown in the figure to find one zero $x=1$. Step 3. Use the quotient to solve $x^2+9x+20=0$ or $(x+5)(x+4)=0$, thus $x=-5,-4$ Step 4. Thus the zeros are $\{-5,-4,1 \}$ and we can factor the function as $f(x)=(x+5)(x+4)(x-1)$
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.