Introduction to Zeros of a Polynomial

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 124 views

Introduction to Zeros of a Polynomial

In mathematics, the zeros of a polynomial are the values of x that make the polynomial equal to zero. These values are also known as the roots of the polynomial. Finding the zeros of a polynomial is an essential concept in algebra and is used to solve equations and analyze the behavior of functions.

Understanding the Given Polynomial

The given polynomial is $$f(x) = (x-7)(x-3)(x-2)$$. This polynomial is a product of three linear factors, each of the form (x - a), where a is a constant. To find the zeros of this polynomial, we need to find the values of x that make each of these factors equal to zero.

Finding the Zeros of the Polynomial

To find the zeros of the polynomial, we set each factor equal to zero and solve for x.

For the first factor, (x - 7) = 0, we have x = 7.
For the second factor, (x - 3) = 0, we have x = 3.
For the third factor, (x - 2) = 0, we have x = 2.

Conclusion

Therefore, the zeros of the polynomial $$f(x) = (x-7)(x-3)(x-2)$$ are x = 7, x = 3, and x = 2. These values make the polynomial equal to zero, and they are the solutions to the equation f(x) = 0.

Comparison with the Given Options

Now, let's compare our result with the given options:

Option A: 7, -3, 2
Option B: 7, -3, -2
Option C: 7, 3, 2
Option D: 7, 3, -2

Our result matches with option C: 7, 3, 2.

Final Answer

The final answer is option C: 7, 3, 2.

Introduction

In our previous article, we discussed how to find the zeros of a polynomial and applied this concept to the given polynomial $$f(x) = (x-7)(x-3)(x-2)$$. In this article, we will provide a Q&A guide to help you understand the concept of zeros of a polynomial and how to find them.

Q: What are the zeros of a polynomial?

A: The zeros of a polynomial are the values of x that make the polynomial equal to zero. These values are also known as the roots of the polynomial.

Q: How do I find the zeros of a polynomial?

A: To find the zeros of a polynomial, you need to set each factor of the polynomial equal to zero and solve for x. If the polynomial is a product of linear factors, you can find the zeros by setting each factor equal to zero and solving for x.

Q: What is the difference between a zero and a root of a polynomial?

A: The terms "zero" and "root" are often used interchangeably to refer to the values of x that make a polynomial equal to zero. However, some mathematicians make a distinction between the two terms. A zero is a value of x that makes the polynomial equal to zero, while a root is a value of x that makes the polynomial equal to zero and is also a solution to the equation f(x) = 0.

Q: How do I know if a value is a zero of a polynomial?

A: To determine if a value is a zero of a polynomial, you need to substitute the value into the polynomial and check if the result is equal to zero. If the result is equal to zero, then the value is a zero of the polynomial.

Q: Can a polynomial have more than one zero?

A: Yes, a polynomial can have more than one zero. In fact, a polynomial can have any number of zeros, including zero, one, or an infinite number of zeros.

Q: How do I find the zeros of a polynomial with multiple factors?

A: To find the zeros of a polynomial with multiple factors, you need to set each factor equal to zero and solve for x. If the polynomial is a product of multiple linear factors, you can find the zeros by setting each factor equal to zero and solving for x.

Q: What is the significance of finding the zeros of a polynomial?

A: Finding the zeros of a polynomial is an essential concept in algebra and is used to solve equations and analyze the behavior of functions. The zeros of a polynomial can provide valuable information about the behavior of the function, including its maximum and minimum values, its intervals of increase and decrease, and its points of inflection.

Q: Can I use technology to find the zeros of a polynomial?

A: Yes, you can use technology, such as graphing calculators or computer software, to find the zeros of a polynomial. These tools can help you visualize the graph of the polynomial and find the zeros by identifying the points where the graph intersects the x-axis.

Conclusion

In this Q&A guide, we have provided answers to common questions about the zeros of a polynomial. We hope that this guide has helped you understand the concept of zeros of a polynomial and how to find them. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Additional Resources

[List of online resources for learning about zeros of polynomials]
[List of online tools for finding zeros of polynomials]

Final Answer

The final answer is that the zeros of the polynomial $$f(x) = (x-7)(x-3)(x-2)$$ are x = 7, x = 3, and x = 2.