College Algebra 7th Edition

Published by Brooks Cole
ISBN 10: 1305115546
ISBN 13: 978-1-30511-554-5

Chapter 3, Polynomial and Rational Functions - Section 3.3 - Dividing Polynomials - 3.3 Exercises - Page 310: 60

Answer

$\{-1, 3\}$

Work Step by Step

The factor theorem says that if $f(c)=0$, then $(x-c)$ is a factor of $f(x)$ and if $(x-c)$ is a factor of $f(x)$, then $f(c)=0$. We check $x=\frac{1}{3}$: $f(3)=3(\frac{1}{3})^4-(\frac{1}{3})^3-21(\frac{1}{3})^2-11(\frac{1}{3})+6=0$ and We check $x=-2$: $f(-2)=3(-2)^4-(-2)^3-21(-2)^2-11(-2)+6=0$ thus, it is indeed a zero. Then, we can write: $f(x)=(x+2)(x-\frac{1}{3})(3x^2-6x-9)$. Factorize the trinomial factor $(3x^2-6x-9)$ (find two factors of $3(-9)=-27$ whose sum is $-6$): ($-9$ and $+3$). $3x^2-6x-9=3x^2+3x-9x-9$ ...factor in pairs... $=3x(x+1)-9(x+1)=(3x-9)(x+1)$. $f(x)=(x+2)(x-\frac{1}{3})(3x-9)(x+1)$. Thus the other zeros are: $x=\{-1, 3\}$
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