from a handpicked tutor in LIVE 1-to-1 classes
What are the possible rational zeros of f(x) = x4 + 2x3 - 3x2 - 4x - 12?
Solution:
We can use the rational zero theorem to find rational zeros of a polynomial.
By Rational Zero Theorem,
If P(x) is a polynomial with integer coefficients and if is a zero of P(x) (P( ) = 0),
then p is a factor of the constant term of P(x)
q is a factor of the leading coefficient of P(x)
Possible value of rational zero is p/q
Given, f(x) = x4 + 2x3 - 3x2 - 4x + 12
Here, constant term, p = -12
Leading coefficient, q = +1
The factors of the constant term -12 are ±1, ±2, ±3, ±4, ±6, ±12.
The factor of the leading coefficient is ±1.
Possible values of rational zeros p/q = ±1/±1, ±2/±1, ±3/±1, ±4/±1, ±6/±1, ±12/±1
Therefore, the possible rational zeros are ±1, ±2, ±3, ±4, ±6, ±12.
What are the possible rational zeros of f(x) = x4 + 2x3 - 3x2 - 4x - 12?
Summary:
The possible rational zeros of f(x) = x4 + 2x3 - 3x2 - 4x - 12 are ±1, ±2, ±3, ±4, ±6, ±12.
visual curriculum