Question

I have a 4 Step Problem

A mysterious box is delivered to the dinner party you are attending. The label on the box says that the volume of a box is the function f(x) = x3 + 3x2 – 10x – 24. To open the box, you need to identify the correct factors of f(x). Party-goers offer up solutions, and it is your job to find the right ones.

Their suggestions are:

(x – 1)
(x + 2)
(x – 3)
(x + 4)
(x + 6)
(x – 12)
List the correct factors. Then justify your selections with complete sentences.

Answer 1

2. Three party-goers are in the corner of the ballroom having an intense argument. You walk over to settle the debate. They are discussing a function g(x). You take out your notepad and jot down their statements.

Professor McCoy: She says that 2 is a zero of g(x) because long division with (x + 2) results in a remainder of 0.
Ms. Guerra: She says that 2 is a zero of g(x) because g(2) = 0.
Mr. Romano: He says that 2 is a zero of g(x) because synthetic division with 2 results in a remainder of 0.
Correct the reasoning of any inaccurate reasoning by the party-goers in full and complete sentences. Make sure you reference any theorems that support your justifications.

Answer 2

3. Dr. Collier summons you over to his table. He wants to demonstrate the graph of a fourth-degree polynomial function, but the batteries in his graphing calculator have run out of juice. Explain to Dr. Collier how to create a rough sketch of a graph of a fourth-degree polynomial function.

Answer 3

4. Mrs. Collins is at the table with you and states that the fourth-degree graphs she has seen have four real zeros. She asks you if it is possible to create a fourth-degree polynomial with only two real zeros. Demonstrate how to do this and explain your steps.