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 3.4 - Real Zeros of Polynomials - 3.4 Exercises - Page 320: 40

Answer

The rational zeros are $x=2$ or $x=-1$ or $x=\frac{1}{2}$ or $x=-\frac{1}{3}$. The polynomial in factored form is $(x-2)(x+1)(2x-1)(3x+1)$.

Work Step by Step

Alternate form: $6x^4-7x^3-12x^2+3x+2=(x-2)(x+1)(2x-1)(3x+1)$ The left hand side factors into a product with four terms: $(x-2)(x+1)(2x-1)(3x+1)=0$ Split into four equations: $x-2=0$ or $x+1=0$ or $2x-1=0$ or $3x+1=0$ Add $2$ to both sides: $x=2$ or $x+1=0$ or $2x-1=0$ or $3x+1=0$ Subtract $1$ from both sides: $x=2$ or $x=-1$ or $2x-1=0$ or $3x+1=0$ Add $1$ to both sides: $x=2$ or $x=-1$ or $2x=1$ or $3x+1=0$ Divide both sides by 2: $x=2$ or $x=-1$ or $x=\frac{1}{2}$ or $3x+1=0$ Subtract $1$ from both sides: $x=2$ or $x=-1$ or $x=\frac{1}{2}$ or $3x=-1$ Answer: The rational zeros are $x=2$ or $x=-1$ or $x=\frac{1}{2}$ or $x=-\frac{1}{3}$. The polynomial in factored form is $(x-2)(x+1)(2x-1)(3x+1)$.
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