Math  /  Algebra

QuestionQuestion 16
Use the rational zeros theorem to list all possible zeros of the function f(x)=5x35x24x+2f(x)=5 x^{3}-5 x^{2}-4 x+2. Enter the possible zeros separated by commas. You do not need to factor the polynomial.

Studdy Solution

STEP 1

What is this asking? We need to find all the *possible* rational zeros of the given polynomial using the rational zeros theorem. Watch out! The theorem only gives us *possible* rational zeros, not the *actual* zeros!
Don't forget the plus and minus signs for each possible zero.

STEP 2

1. Identify the leading coefficient and constant term.
2. List the factors of the constant term.
3. List the factors of the leading coefficient.
4. Form all possible rational zeros.

STEP 3

Our function is f(x)=5x35x24x+2f(x) = 5x^3 - 5x^2 - 4x + 2.
The **leading coefficient** is the number multiplying the highest power of xx, which is **5**.
The **constant term** is the number without any xx, which is **2**.

STEP 4

The factors of **2** are the numbers that divide **2** evenly.
These are **1** and **2**.
Remember, factors can be positive or negative, so we have ±1\pm 1 and ±2\pm 2.

STEP 5

The factors of **5** are the numbers that divide **5** evenly.
These are **1** and **5**.
Again, remember the plus/minus, giving us ±1\pm 1 and ±5\pm 5.

STEP 6

The rational zeros theorem says that any *possible* rational zero is of the form ±factor of constant termfactor of leading coefficient\pm \frac{\text{factor of constant term}}{\text{factor of leading coefficient}}.

STEP 7

Let's create all the combinations!
Dividing the factors of **2** (±1\pm 1 and ±2\pm 2) by ±1\pm 1 gives us ±11=±1\pm \frac{1}{1} = \pm 1 and ±21=±2\pm \frac{2}{1} = \pm 2.

STEP 8

Dividing the factors of **2** (±1\pm 1 and ±2\pm 2) by ±5\pm 5 gives us ±15\pm \frac{1}{5} and ±25\pm \frac{2}{5}.

STEP 9

So, all possible rational zeros are ±1\pm 1, ±2\pm 2, ±15\pm \frac{1}{5}, and ±25\pm \frac{2}{5}.

STEP 10

The possible rational zeros of f(x)=5x35x24x+2f(x) = 5x^3 - 5x^2 - 4x + 2 are 1,1,2,2,15,15,25,251, -1, 2, -2, \frac{1}{5}, -\frac{1}{5}, \frac{2}{5}, -\frac{2}{5}.

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