Algebra and Trigonometry (6th Edition)
Algebra and Trigonometry (6th Edition)
6th Edition
ISBN: 9780134463216
Author: Robert F. Blitzer
Publisher: PEARSON
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Does this equation have two real zeroes? Why or why not?
**Question: Analyzing the Polynomial Function**

Does the function \( f(x) = -5x^4 + 6 \) have 2 real zeroes? Why or why not?

**Explanation:**

To determine whether the function \( f(x) = -5x^4 + 6 \) has two real zeroes, we need to consider the behavior and characteristics of the polynomial.

1. **Degree and Leading Coefficient:**
   - The function is a quartic polynomial (degree 4) with a leading coefficient of -5.
   - A negative leading coefficient indicates the graph opens downward.

2. **Even Degree Polynomials:**
   - Polynomials with an even degree and negative leading coefficients have endpoints that go to negative infinity as \( x \) approaches both positive and negative infinity.

3. **Finding the Zeroes:**
   - Set \( f(x) = 0 \): 
     \[
     -5x^4 + 6 = 0 \implies 5x^4 = 6 \implies x^4 = \frac{6}{5}
     \]
   - Solve for \( x \) using the fourth root:
     \[
     x = \pm \sqrt[4]{\frac{6}{5}}
     \]
   - Since there are positive and negative solutions, there are zeroes, but they are not necessarily real if considering the multiplicity in terms of sign.

4. **Number of Real Zeroes:**
   - The quartic function \( x^4 = \frac{6}{5} \) results in real solutions for \( x \).
   - Since the function's degree is even and it opens downward, it could cross the x-axis at most twice, depending on the roots.

Thus, the function can have 2 real zeroes, but analyzing further would involve calculating exact values and evaluating their impact on the graph. The presence of 2 or more real zeroes is corroborated by the even degree and behavior as described.
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Transcribed Image Text:**Question: Analyzing the Polynomial Function** Does the function \( f(x) = -5x^4 + 6 \) have 2 real zeroes? Why or why not? **Explanation:** To determine whether the function \( f(x) = -5x^4 + 6 \) has two real zeroes, we need to consider the behavior and characteristics of the polynomial. 1. **Degree and Leading Coefficient:** - The function is a quartic polynomial (degree 4) with a leading coefficient of -5. - A negative leading coefficient indicates the graph opens downward. 2. **Even Degree Polynomials:** - Polynomials with an even degree and negative leading coefficients have endpoints that go to negative infinity as \( x \) approaches both positive and negative infinity. 3. **Finding the Zeroes:** - Set \( f(x) = 0 \): \[ -5x^4 + 6 = 0 \implies 5x^4 = 6 \implies x^4 = \frac{6}{5} \] - Solve for \( x \) using the fourth root: \[ x = \pm \sqrt[4]{\frac{6}{5}} \] - Since there are positive and negative solutions, there are zeroes, but they are not necessarily real if considering the multiplicity in terms of sign. 4. **Number of Real Zeroes:** - The quartic function \( x^4 = \frac{6}{5} \) results in real solutions for \( x \). - Since the function's degree is even and it opens downward, it could cross the x-axis at most twice, depending on the roots. Thus, the function can have 2 real zeroes, but analyzing further would involve calculating exact values and evaluating their impact on the graph. The presence of 2 or more real zeroes is corroborated by the even degree and behavior as described.
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