Question

Find the zeros of the polynomial function and state the multiplicity of each.

f(x) = 3(x + 8)^2(x - 8)^3

Answer 1

well there are only 2 zeros

when x + 8= 0 and x - 8 = 0

the multiplicity of each is determined by the power

just think

\[(x + 8)^2 = (x + 8)(x + 8)\]

so how many times does x + 8 occur.... thats the multiplicity...

same reasoning for x - 8

hope this helps.