How do you find all zeros of f(x)=x^4-x^3-20x^2f(x)=x4−x3−20x2?
1 Answer
Dec 12, 2017
Explanation:
"take out a common factor of "x^2take out a common factor of x2
f(x)=x^2(x^2-x-20)f(x)=x2(x2−x−20)
"the factors of - 20 which sum to - 1 are - 5 and + 4"the factors of - 20 which sum to - 1 are - 5 and + 4
rArrf(x)=x^2(x-5)(x+4)⇒f(x)=x2(x−5)(x+4)
"to find zeros set "f(x)=0to find zeros set f(x)=0
rArrx^2(x-5)(x+4)=0⇒x2(x−5)(x+4)=0
"equate each factor to zero and solve for x"equate each factor to zero and solve for x
x^2=0rArrx=0" with multiplicity 2"x2=0⇒x=0 with multiplicity 2
x-5=0rArrx=5x−5=0⇒x=5
x+4=0rArrx=-4x+4=0⇒x=−4