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: 69

Answer

$p(x)=3x^4-9x^2+6$

Work Step by Step

Since $\sqrt{2}$ is a zero, to guarantee that the coefficients are integer it must be that $-\sqrt{2}$ is another zero. Then, $p(x)=A(x+1)(x-1)(x-\sqrt{2})(x+\sqrt{2})$ $p(x)=A(x^2-1)(x^2-2)$ $p(x)=A(x^4-3x^2+2)$ $p(x)=Ax^4-3Ax^2+2A$ In order that the constant term is $6$, it must be $2A=6\to A=3$. Now, we get $p(x)=3x^4-9x^2+6$.
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