Question
Using synthetic division, determine whether the numbers are zeros of the polynom
function.
function.
Ask by Boone Bolton. in the United States
Mar 25,2025
Upstudy AI Solution
Tutor-Verified Answer
Answer
-1 is a zero of the polynomial, but 1 is not.
Solution
To determine whether the numbers
and
are zeros of the polynomial function
, we will use synthetic division for each value.
Step 1: Synthetic Division with
- Write down the coefficients of the polynomial:
. - Set up synthetic division with
.
The synthetic division process is as follows:
- Bring down the leading coefficient (1).
- Multiply by
and add to the next coefficient. - Repeat this process for all coefficients.
Let’s perform the synthetic division for
:
The remainder is
, which means
is a zero of the polynomial.
Step 2: Synthetic Division with
Now, let’s perform synthetic division for
:
The remainder is
, which means
is not a zero of the polynomial.
Conclusion
-
is a zero of the polynomial . -
is not a zero of the polynomial .
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Mind Expander
To check if
and
are zeros of the polynomial
using synthetic division, we start by performing synthetic division with
.
- Place the coefficients:
. - Bring down the leading coefficient (1).
- Multiply by
and add to the next coefficient: -
Since the remainder is
after evaluating
, this means that
is a zero of the polynomial.
Now, let’s check
:
- Using the same coefficients
. - Bring down the leading coefficient (1).
- Multiply by
and add to the next coefficient: -
Since the remainder is
, it indicates that
is not a zero of the polynomial.
Summarizing,
is a zero of
and
is not.
Did you know that synthetic division is a straightforward and time-saving method for dividing polynomials? It’s like a shortcut in long division but specifically for polynomials, making it an essential tool for quickly finding zeros or simplifying complex expressions.
While synthetic division is an excellent tool, it can sometimes lead to mistakes if you’re not careful with your arithmetic. Always double-check your multiplication and addition steps to ensure that you’re correctly carrying down coefficients. It’s easy to slip up on signs, especially when dealing with negative numbers!