2.6: Zeros of Polynomial Functions
- Refresher Topics
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Simplifying Expressions
- Rationalizing Denominators and Numerators
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Simplifying Expressions
In this section, you will:
- Evaluate a polynomial using the Remainder Theorem.
- Use the Factor Theorem to solve a polynomial equation.
- Use the Rational Zeros Theorem to find rational zeros.
- Find zeros of a polynomial function.
- Use the Linear Factorization Theorem to find polynomials with given zeros.
- Solve real-world applications of polynomial equations.
A new bakery offers decorated, multi-tiered cakes for display and cutting at Quinceañera and wedding celebrations, as well as sheet cakes to serve most of the guests. The bakery wants the volume of a small sheet cake to be 351 cubic inches. The cake is in the shape of a rectangular solid. They want the length of the cake to be four inches longer than the width of the cake and the height of the cake to be one-third of the width. What should the dimensions of the cake pan be?
This problem can be solved by writing a cubic function and solving a cubic equation for the volume of the cake. In this section, we will discuss a variety of tools for writing polynomial functions and solving polynomial equations.
Evaluating a Polynomial Using the Remainder Theorem
In the last section, we learned how to divide polynomials. We can now use polynomial division to evaluate polynomials using the Remainder Theorem . If the polynomial is divided by \(x-k\), the remainder may be found quickly by evaluating the polynomial function at \(k\), that is, \(f(k)\). Let’s walk through the proof of the theorem.
Recall that the Division Algorithm states that, given a polynomial dividend \(f(x)\) and a non-zero polynomial divisor \(d(x)\), where the degree of \(d(x)\) is less than or equal to the degree of \(f(x)\), there exist unique polynomials \(q(x)\) and \(r(x)\) such that\[f(x)=d(x) q(x)+r(x). \nonumber\]If the divisor, \(d(x)\), is \(x−k\), this takes the form\[f(x)=(x-k) q(x)+r. \nonumber \]Since the divisor \(x−k\) is linear, the remainder will be a constant, \(r\). And, if we evaluate this for \(x=k\), we have\[\begin{array}{rcl}
f(k) & = & (k-k) q(k)+r \\[6pt]
& = & 0 \cdot q(k)+r \\[6pt]
& = & r\\[6pt]
\end{array} \nonumber\]In other words, \(f(k)\) is the remainder obtained by dividing \(f(x)\) by \(x−k\).
If a polynomial \(f(x)\) is divided by \(x−k\), then the remainder is the value \(f(k)\).
Use the Remainder Theorem to evaluate \[f(x)=6 x^4-x^3-15 x^2+2 x-7 \text { at } x=2. \nonumber\]
- Solution
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To find the remainder using the Remainder Theorem, use synthetic division to divide the polynomial by \(x−2\).\[\begin{array}{r}
\underline{2} \mid & 6 & -1 & -15 & 2 & -7 \\
& & 12 & 22 & 14 & 32 \\
\hline & 6 & 11 & 7 & 16 & 25 \\
\end{array}\nonumber \]The remainder is 25. Therefore, \(f(2)=25\).We can check our answer by evaluating \(f(2)\).\[\begin{array}{rrcl}
& f(x) & = & 6 x^4-x^3-15 x^2+2 x-7 \\[6pt]
\implies & f(2) & = & 6(2)^4-(2)^3-15(2)^2+2(2)-7 \\[6pt]
& & = & 25 \\[6pt]
\end{array} \nonumber\]
Use the Remainder Theorem to evaluate \[f(x)=2 x^5-3 x^4-9 x^3+8 x^2+2 \text { at } x=-3. \nonumber\]
Using the Factor Theorem to Solve a Polynomial Equation
The Factor Theorem is another theorem that helps us analyze polynomial equations. It tells us how the zeros of a polynomial are related to the factors. Recall that the Division Algorithm tells us\[f(x)=(x-k) q(x)+r. \nonumber\]If \(k\) is a zero, then the remainder \(r\) is \(f(k)=0\) and \(f(x)=(x−k)q(x)+0\), or \(f(x)=(x−k)q(x)\).
Notice, written in this form, \(x−k\) is a factor of \(f(x)\). We can conclude if \(k\) is a zero of \(f(x)\), then \(x−k\) is a factor of \(f(x)\).
Similarly, if \(x−k\) is a factor of \(f(x)\), then the remainder of the Division Algorithm \(f(x)=(x−k)q(x)+r\) is 0. This tells us that \(k\) is a zero.
This pair of implications is the Factor Theorem. As we will soon see, a polynomial of degree \(n\) with complex-numbered coefficients will have \(n\) complex-numbered zeros. We can use the Factor Theorem to completely factor a polynomial into the product of \(n\) factors. Once the polynomial has been completely factored, we can easily determine the zeros of the polynomial.
\(k\) is a zero of \(f(x)\) if and only if \((x−k)\) is a factor of \(f(x)\).
Show that \((x+2)\) is a factor of \(x^3-6 x^2-x+30\). Find the remaining factors. Use the factors to determine the zeros of the polynomial.
- Solution
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We can use synthetic division to show that \((x+2)\) is a factor of the polynomial.\[\begin{array}{r}
\underline{-2} \mid & 1 & -6 & -1 & 30 \\
& & -2 & 16 & -30 \\
\hline & 1 & -8 & 15 & 0 \\
\end{array}\nonumber \]The remainder is zero, so \((x+2)\) is a factor of the polynomial. We can use the Division Algorithm to write the polynomial as the product of the divisor and the quotient:\[(x+2)\left(x^2-8 x+15\right). \nonumber \]We can factor the quadratic factor to write the polynomial as\[(x+2)(x−3)(x−5). \nonumber\]By the Factor Theorem, the zeros of \(x^3-6 x^2-x+30\) are \( -2 \), \( 3 \), and \( 5 \).
Use the Factor Theorem to find the zeros of \(f(x)=x^3+4 x^2-4 x-16\) given that \((x−2)\) is a factor of the polynomial.
Using the Rational Zeros Theorem to Find Rational Zeros
Another use for the Remainder Theorem is to test whether a rational number is a zero for a given polynomial. But first we need a pool of rational numbers to test. The Rational Zeros Theorem (also called the Rational Roots Theorem ) helps us to narrow down the number of possible rational zeros using the ratio of the factors of the constant term and factors of the leading coefficient of the polynomial.
Consider a quadratic function with two zeros, \(x=\frac{2}{5}\) and \(x=\frac{3}{4}\). By the Factor Theorem, these zeros have factors associated with them. Let us set each factor equal to \( 0 \) and then construct the original quadratic function absent its stretching factor.\[\begin{array}{rccccl}
& x-\dfrac{2}{5} = 0 & \text{or} & x - \dfrac{3}{4}=0 & \quad & \left(\text{setting each factor equal to } 0\right) \\[6pt]
\implies & 5 x - 2 = 0 & \text{or} & 4 x-3=0 & \quad & \left(\text{multiplying both sides of the equation to eliminate fractions}\right) \\[6pt]
\end{array} \nonumber \]\[ \begin{array}{rrclcl} \implies & f(x) & = & (5 x-2)(4 x-3) & \quad & \left(\text{creating the quadratic function, multiplying the factors}\right) \\[6pt]
\implies & f(x) & = & 20 x^2-23 x+6 & \quad & \left(\text{expanding the polynomial}\right) \\[6pt]
\implies & f(x) & = & (5 \cdot 4) x^2-23 x+(2 \cdot 3) & & \\[6pt]
\end{array} \nonumber\]Notice that two of the factors of the constant term, \( 6 \), are the two numerators from the original rational roots: \( 2 \) and \( 3 \). Similarly, two of the factors from the leading coefficient, \( 20 \), are the two denominators from the original rational roots: \( 5 \) and \( 4 \).
We can infer that the numerators of the rational roots will always be factors of the constant term and the denominators will be factors of the leading coefficient. This is the essence of the Rational Zeros Theorem; it is a means to give us a pool of possible rational zeros.
If the polynomial \(f(x)=a_n x^n+a_{n-1} x^{n-1}+\ldots+a_1 x+a_0\) has integer coefficients, then every rational zero of \(f(x)\) has the form \(\frac{p}{q}\), where \(p\) is a factor of the constant term, \(a_0\), and \(q\) is a factor of the leading coefficient, \(a_n\).
When the leading coefficient is 1, the Rational Zeros Theorem simplifies to stating that the possible rational zeros are the factors of the constant term.
An often overlooked requirement to using the Rational Zeros Theorem is that the coefficients of the polynomial must be integers. Do not make the mistake of trying to use the Rational Roots Theorem on polynomials with coefficients of the form \( \frac{3}{7} \), \( \sqrt{2} \), or \( 3 + 2i \).
List all possible rational zeros of \(f(x)=2 x^4-5 x^3+x^2-4\)
- Solution
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The only possible rational zeros of \(f(x)\) are the quotients of the factors of the last term, \( -4 \), and the factors of the leading coefficient, \( 2 \).
The factors of \( -4 \) are \(p= \pm 1, \pm 2, \pm 4\).
The factors of \( 2 \) are \(q= \pm 1, \pm 2\).
If any of the four real zeros are rational zeros, then they will be of one of the following factors of \( -4 \) divided by one of the factors of \( 2 \).\[\dfrac{p}{q}= \pm \dfrac{1}{1}, \pm \dfrac{1}{2} \quad \dfrac{p}{q}= \pm \dfrac{2}{1}, \pm \dfrac{2}{2} \quad \dfrac{p}{q}= \pm \dfrac{4}{1}, \pm \dfrac{4}{2}. \nonumber\]Note that \(\frac{2}{2}=1\) and \(\frac{4}{2}=2\), which have already been listed. So we can shorten our list.\[\dfrac{p}{q} = \dfrac{\text {Factors of the last}}{\text {Factors of the first}}= \pm 1, \pm 2, \pm 4, \pm \dfrac{1}{2}. \nonumber \]
Use the Rational Zeros Theorem to find the rational zeros of \(f(x)=2 x^3+x^2-4 x+1\).
- Solution
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The Rational Zeros Theorem tells us that if \(\frac{p}{q}\) is a zero of \(f(x)\), then \(p\) is a factor of \( 1 \) and \(q\) is a factor of \( 2 \).\[\begin{array}{rcl}
\dfrac{p}{q} & = & \dfrac{\text{factor of constant term}}{\text{factor of leading coefficient}} \\[6pt]
& = & \dfrac{\text{factor of } 1}{\text{factor of } 2} \\[6pt]
\end{array} \nonumber\]The factors of \( 1 \) are \(\pm 1\) and the factors of \( 2 \) are \(\pm 1\) and \(\pm 2\). The possible values for \(\frac{p}{q}\) are \(\pm 1\) and \(\pm \frac{1}{2}\). These are the possible rational zeros for the function. We can determine which of the possible zeros are actual zeros by substituting these values for \(x\) in \(f(x)\).\[\begin{array}{rcl}
f(-1) & = & 2(-1)^3+(-1)^2-4(-1)+1=4 \\[6pt]
f(1) & = & 2(1)^3+(1)^2-4(1)+1=0 \\[6pt]
f\left(-\dfrac{1}{2}\right) & = & 2\left(-\dfrac{1}{2}\right)^3+\left(-\dfrac{1}{2}\right)^2-4\left(-\dfrac{1}{2}\right)+1=3 \\[6pt]
f\left(\dfrac{1}{2}\right) & = & 2\left(\dfrac{1}{2}\right)^3+\left(\dfrac{1}{2}\right)^2-4\left(\dfrac{1}{2}\right)+1=-\dfrac{1}{2} \\[6pt]
\end{array} \nonumber\]Of those, \( −1 \), \(-\frac{1}{2}\), and \(\frac{1}{2}\) are not zeros of \(f(x)\). \( 1 \) is the only rational zero of \(f(x)\).
Use the Rational Zeros Theorem to find the rational zeros of\[f(x)=x^3-5 x^2+2 x+1. \nonumber \]
Finding the Zeros of Polynomial Functions
The Rational Zeros Theorem helps us to narrow down the list of possible rational zeros for a polynomial function. Once we have done this, we can use synthetic division repeatedly to determine all of the zeros of a polynomial function.
Find the zeros of \(f(x)=4 x^3-3 x-1\).
- Solution
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First, note that the coefficients of the given polynomial function are all integers - remember, we cannot use the Rational Zeros Theorem if this is not the case. The Rational Zeros Theorem tells us that if \(\frac{p}{q}\) is a zero of \(f(x)\), then \(p\) is a factor of \( -1 \) and \(q\) is a factor of \( 4 \).\[\begin{array}{rcl}
\dfrac{p}{q} & = & \dfrac{\text{factor of constant term}}{\text{factor of leading coefficient}} \\[6pt]
& = & \dfrac{\text{factor of }-1}{\text{factor of } 4} \\[6pt]
\end{array} \nonumber\]The factors of \( -1 \) are \(\pm 1\) and the factors of \( 4 \) are \(\pm 1\),\(\pm 2\), and \(\pm 4\). The possible values for \(\frac{p}{q}\) are \(\pm 1\), \(\pm \frac{1}{2}\), and \(\pm \frac{1}{4}\). These are the possible rational zeros for the function. We will use synthetic division to evaluate each possible zero until we find one that gives a remainder of \( 0 \). Let’s begin with \( 1 \).\[\begin{array}{r}
\underline{1} \mid & 4 & 0 & -3 & -1 \\
& & 4 & 4 & 1 \\
\hline & 4 & 4 & 1 & 0 \\
\end{array}\nonumber \]Dividing by \((x−1)\) gives a remainder of \( 0 \), so \( 1 \) is a zero of the function. The polynomial can be written as\[(x-1)\left(4 x^2+4 x+1\right). \nonumber \]The quadratic is a perfect square. Therefore, \(f(x)\) can be written as\[ (x-1)(2 x+1)^2 \nonumber \]We already know that \( 1 \) is a zero. The other zero will have a multiplicity of \( 2 \) because the factor is squared. To find the other zero, we can set the factor equal to 0.\[ 2 x+1 =0 \implies x =-\dfrac{1}{2}. \nonumber \]The zeros of the function are \( 1 \) and \(-\frac{1}{2}\) with multiplicity \( 2 \).
Investigating Example \( \PageIndex{ 5 } \) a little more, we look at the graph of the function \(f\) in Figure \( \PageIndex{ 1 } \). Notice, at \(x=−0.5\), the graph bounces off the \( x \)-axis, indicating the even multiplicity (\(2,4,6, \ldots \)) for the zero \( −0.5 \). At \(x=1\), the graph crosses the \( x \)-axis, indicating the odd multiplicity (\(1,3,5, \ldots \)) for the zero \(x=1\).
Figure \( \PageIndex{ 1 } \)
Using the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra
Now that we can find rational zeros for a polynomial function, we will look at a theorem that discusses the number of complex zeros of a polynomial function. The Fundamental Theorem of Algebra tells us that every polynomial function has at least one complex zero. This theorem forms the foundation for solving polynomial equations.
Suppose \(f\) is a polynomial function of degree four, and \(f(x)=0\). The Fundamental Theorem of Algebra states that there is at least one complex solution, call it \(c_1\). By the Factor Theorem, we can write \(f(x)\) as a product of \(x-c_1\) and a polynomial quotient. Since \(x-c_1\) is linear, the polynomial quotient will be of degree three. Now we apply the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra to the third-degree polynomial quotient. It will have at least one complex zero, call it \(c_2\). So we can write the polynomial quotient as a product of \(x-c_2\) and a new polynomial quotient of degree two. Continue to apply the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra until all of the zeros are found. There will be four of them, and each one will yield a factor of \(f(x)\).
If \( f(x) \) is a polynomial of degree \(n > 0\) with complex-numbered coefficients, then \(f(x)\) has at least one complex zero.
In truth, "a polynomial with complex-numbered coefficients" means that the coefficients can be any number we can imagine - from \( 2 \) to \( \sqrt{2} \) to \( \frac{1}{2} \) to \( 2 + 2i \). Therefore, most people write the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra as, "If \( f(x) \) is a polynomial of degree \(n > 0\), then \(f(x)\) has at least one complex zero."
Although the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra is a major theorem in Mathematics, it is the following corollary that makes the theorem useful.
If \(f(x)\) is a polynomial of degree \(n > 0\) with complex-numbered coefficients, then \(f(x)\) has exactly \(n\) linear factors over the complex number system. That is,\[f(x) = a \left(x-c_1\right)\left(x-c_2\right) \ldots \left(x-c_n\right), \nonumber \]where \(c_1, c_2, \ldots, c_n\) are complex numbers and \( a \in \mathbb{R} \).
Therefore, \(f(x)\) has \(n\) complex-numbered roots if we allow for multiplicities.
As with the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra, the Complete Factorization Theorem can be shortened to, "If \( f(x) \) is a polynomial of degree \(n > 0\), then \(f(x)\) has exactly \(n\) linear factors over the complex number system."
Does every polynomial have at least one imaginary zero?
No. A complex number is not necessarily imaginary. Real numbers are also complex numbers.
Find the zeros of\[f(x)=3 x^3+9 x^2+x+3. \nonumber \]
- Solution
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The Rational Zeros Theorem tells us that if \(\frac{p}{q}\) is a zero of \(f(x)\), then \(p\) is a factor of \( 3 \) and \(q\) is a factor of \( 3 \).\[\begin{array}{rcl}
\dfrac{p}{q} & = & \dfrac{\text{factor of constant term}}{\text{factor of leading coefficient}} \\[6pt]
& = & \dfrac{\text{factor of } 3}{\text{factor of } 3} \\[6pt]
\end{array} \nonumber \]The factors of \( 3 \) are \(\pm 1\) and \(\pm 3\). The possible values for \(\frac{p}{q}\), and therefore the possible rational zeros for the function, are \(\pm 3\), \(\pm 1\), and\(\pm \frac{1}{3}\). We will use synthetic division to evaluate each possible zero until we find one that gives a remainder of 0. Let’s begin with -3.\[\begin{array}{r}
\underline{-3} \mid & 3 & 9 & 1 & 3 \\
& & -9 & 0 & -3 \\
\hline & 3 & 0 & 1 & 0 \\
\end{array}\nonumber \]Dividing by \((x+3)\) gives a remainder of \( 0 \), so \( -3 \) is a zero of the function. The polynomial can be written as\[(x+3)\left(3 x^2+1\right). \nonumber \]We can then set the quadratic equal to \( 0 \) and solve to find the other zeros of the function.\[\begin{array}{rrcl}
& 3 x^2+1 & = & 0 \\[6pt]
\implies & x^2 & = & -\dfrac{1}{3} \\[6pt]
\implies & x & = & \pm \sqrt{-\dfrac{1}{3}} \\[6pt]
& & = & \pm \dfrac{i \sqrt{3}}{3} \\[6pt]
\end{array} \nonumber \]The zeros of \(f(x)\) are \( -3 \) and \(\pm \frac{i \sqrt{3}}{3}\).
Figure \( \PageIndex{ 2 } \) shows the graph of the function \( f \) from Example \( \PageIndex{ 6 } \). Notice that, at \(x=−3\), the graph crosses the \( x \)-axis, indicating an odd multiplicity (1) for the zero \(x=-3\). Also note the presence of the two turning points. This means that, since there is a \(3^{\text{rd}}\) degree polynomial, we are looking at the maximum number of turning points. So, the end behavior of increasing without bound to the right and decreasing without bound to the left will continue. Thus, all the \(x\)-intercepts for the function are shown. Either the multiplicity of \(x=−3\) is \( 1 \) and there are two complex solutions, which is what we found, or the multiplicity at \(x=−3\) is three. Either way, our result is correct.
Figure \( \PageIndex{ 2 } \)
Find the zeros of\[f(x)=2 x^3+5 x^2-11 x+4. \nonumber\]
Using the Complete Factorization Theorem to Find Polynomials with Given Zeros
A vital implication of the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra, as we stated above, is that a polynomial function of degree \(n\) will have \(n\) zeros in the set of complex numbers, if we allow for multiplicities. This means that we can factor the polynomial function into \(n\) factors. The Complete Factorization Theorem tells us that a polynomial function will have the same number of factors as its degree, and that each factor will be in the form \((x−c)\), where \(c\) is a complex number.
Let \(f\) be a polynomial function with real coefficients, and suppose \(a+b i\), where \(b \neq 0\), is a zero of \(f(x)\). Then, by the Factor Theorem, \(x-(a+b i)\) is a factor of \(f(x)\). For \(f\) to have real coefficients, \(x−(a−bi)\) must also be a factor of \(f(x)\). This is true because any factor other than \(x−(a−bi)\), when multiplied by \(x−(a+bi)\), will leave imaginary components in the product. Only multiplication with conjugate pairs will eliminate the imaginary parts and result in real coefficients. In other words, if a polynomial function \(f\) with real coefficients has a complex zero \(a+bi\), then the complex conjugate \(a−bi\) must also be a zero of \(f(x)\). This is called the Complex Conjugate Theorem.
If the polynomial function \(f\) has real coefficients and a complex zero of the form \(a+bi\), then the complex conjugate of the zero, \(a−bi\), is also a zero of \( f \).
Find a fourth degree polynomial with real coefficients that has zeros of \( -3 \), \( 2 \), and \(i\), such that \(f(−2)=100\).
- Solution
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Because \(x=i\) is a zero, by the Complex Conjugate Theorem \(x=-i\) is also a zero. The polynomial must have factors of \((x+3)\), \((x−2)\), \((x−i)\), and \((x+i)\). Since we are looking for a degree 4 polynomial, and now have four zeros, we have all four factors. Let’s begin by multiplying these factors.\[\begin{array}{rcl}
f(x) & = & a(x+3)(x-2)(x-i)(x+i) \\[6pt]
& = & a\left(x^2+x-6\right)\left(x^2+1\right) \\[6pt]
& = & a\left(x^4+x^3-5 x^2+x-6\right) \\[6pt]
\end{array} \nonumber \]We need to find \(a\) to ensure \(f(-2)=100\). Substitute \(x=-2\) and \(f(2)=100\) into \(f(x)\).\[\begin{array}{rrcl}
& 100 & = & a\left((-2)^4+(-2)^3-5(-2)^2+(-2)-6\right) \\[6pt]
\implies & 100 & = & a(-20) \\[6pt]
\implies & -5 & = & a \\[6pt]
\end{array} \nonumber \]So the polynomial function is\[f(x)=-5\left(x^4+x^3-5 x^2+x-6\right) \nonumber \]or\[f(x)=-5 x^4-5 x^3+25 x^2-5 x+30. \nonumber \]
In Example \( \PageIndex{ 7 } \), we found that both \(i\) and \(-i\) were zeros, but only one of these zeros needed to be given. If \(i\) is a zero of a polynomial with real coefficients, then \(-i\) must also be a zero of the polynomial because \(-i\) is the complex conjugate of \(i\).
If \(2+3i\) were given as a zero of a polynomial with real coefficients, would \(2−3i\) also need to be a zero?
Yes. When any complex number with an imaginary component is given as a zero of a polynomial with real coefficients, the conjugate must also be a zero of the polynomial.
Find a third degree polynomial with real coefficients that has zeros of \( 5 \) and \(−2i\) such that \(f(1)=10\).
It's probably good to summarize the theorems and corollaries we have encountered so far in this section, along with their requirements.
| Theorem or Corollary | Requirement | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Rational Zeros Theorem | Coefficients must be integers | Rational zeros of the polynomial are always ratios of factors of the constant term and the leading coefficient. |
| Fundamental Theorem of Algebra | Coefficients can be any number | The polynomial has at least one complex zero. |
| Complete Factorization Theorem | Coefficients can be any number | The polynomial can be factored into \( n \) linear factors over the complex number system. |
| Complex Conjugate Theorem | Coefficients must be real numbers | If \( a + bi \) is a zero, then \( a - bi \) is also a zero. |
Solving Real-World Applications
We have now introduced a variety of tools for solving polynomial equations. Let’s use these tools to solve the bakery problem from the beginning of the section.
A new bakery offers decorated, multi-tiered cakes for display and cutting at Quinceañera and wedding celebrations, as well as sheet cakes to serve most of the guests. The bakery wants the volume of a small sheet cake to be 351 cubic inches. The cake is in the shape of a rectangular solid. They want the length of the cake to be four inches longer than the width of the cake and the height of the cake to be one-third of the width. What should the dimensions of the cake pan be?
- Solution
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Begin by writing an equation for the volume of the cake. The volume of a rectangular solid is given by \(V=lwh\). We were given that the length must be four inches longer than the width, so we can express the length of the cake as \(l=w+4\). We were given that the height of the cake is one-third of the width, so we can express the height of the cake as \(h=\frac{1}{3} w\). Let’s write the volume of the cake in terms of width of the cake.\[\begin{array}{rcl}
V & = & (w+4)(w)\left(\dfrac{1}{3} w\right) \\[6pt]
& = & \dfrac{1}{3} w^3+\dfrac{4}{3} w^2 \\[6pt]
\end{array} \nonumber \]Substitute the given volume into this equation.\[\begin{array}{rrclcl}
& 351 & = & \dfrac{1}{3} w^3+\dfrac{4}{3} w^2 & \quad & \left(\text {substituting} \right) \\[6pt]
\implies & 1053 & = & w^3+4 w^2 & \quad & \left( \text{multiplying both sides by } 3 \right) \\[6pt]
\implies & 0 & = & w^3+4 w^2-1053 & \quad & \left(\text{subtracting } 1053 \text{ from both sides} \right) \\[6pt]
\end{array} \nonumber \]The Rational Zeros Theorem tells us that the possible rational zeros are \(\pm 1\), \(\pm 3\), \(\pm 9\), \(\pm 13\), \(\pm 27\), \(\pm 39\), \(\pm 81\), \(\pm 117\), \(\pm 351\), and \(\pm 1053\). We can use synthetic division to test these possible zeros. Only positive numbers make sense as dimensions for a cake, so we need not test any negative values. Let’s begin by testing values that make the most sense as dimensions for a small sheet cake. Use synthetic division to check \(x=1\).\[\begin{array}{r}
\underline{1} \mid & 1 & 4 & 0 & -1053 \\
& & 1 & 5 & 5 \\
\hline & 1 & 5 & 5 & -1048 \\
\end{array}\nonumber \]Since 1 is not a solution, we will check \(x=3\).\[\begin{array}{r}
\underline{3} \mid & 1 & 4 & 0 & -1053 \\
& & 3 & 21 & 63 \\
\hline & 1 & 7 & 21 & -990 \\
\end{array}\nonumber \]Since 3 is not a solution either, we will test \(x=9\).\[\begin{array}{r}
\underline{9} \mid & 1 & 4 & 0 & -1053 \\
& & 9 & 117 & 1053 \\
\hline & 1 & 13 & 117 & 0 \\
\end{array}\nonumber \]Synthetic division gives a remainder of \( 0 \), so \( 9 \) is a solution to the equation. We can use the relationships between the width and the other dimensions to determine the length and height of the sheet cake pan.\[l=w+4=9+4=13 \text { and } h=\dfrac{1}{3} w = \dfrac{1}{3}(9)=3. \nonumber \]>The sheet cake pan should have dimensions 13 inches by 9 inches by 3 inches.
A shipping container in the shape of a rectangular solid must have a volume of 84 cubic meters. The client tells the manufacturer that, because of the contents, the length of the container must be one meter longer than the width, and the height must be one meter greater than twice the width. What should the dimensions of the container be?
Access these online resources for additional instruction and practice with zeros of polynomial functions.