Question

Consider the function c(x) = (x + 5)(x - 2)².

1. What are the zeroes of c(x)?

2. What is the degree of c(x)?

Answer 1

Explanation:

Set each binomial equal to 0, solve for x.

`(x + 5) = 0`

`x = - 5`

`(x - 2) {}^(2) = 0`

`x - 2 = 0`

`x = 2`

The zeroes are -5, and 2(with a multiplicity of 2)

We have a degree of 3.

`(x + 5)(x {}^(2) - 4x + 4)`

the first term in each binomail when using FOIL, become x^3 since that is the highest degree, 3 is the degree of c.