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Learn to write a polynomial function from its zeros with a couple a good examples.
The goal is to write a linear factor for each zero and then multiply the linear factors. Suppose the zeros of a function are x1, x2, and x3.
Then, the polynomial function can be found using f(x) = (x - x1)(x - x2)(x - x3)
Example #1:
Write a polynomial function in standard form with zeros at -3, 4, and 4.
f(x) = (x + 3)(x - 4)(x - 4)
Multiply (x - 4) and (x - 4)
f(x) = (x + 3)(x2 - 4x - 4x + 16)
Simplify
f(x) = (x + 3)(x2 - 8x + 16)
Use the distributive property
f(x) = x(x2 - 8x + 16) + 3(x2 - 8x + 16)
Use the distributive property
f(x) = x3 - 8x2 + 16x + 3x2 - 24x + 48
Combine like terms
f(x) = x3 - 8x2 + 3x2+ 16x - 24x + 48
Simplify
f(x) = x3 - 5x2 + -8x + 48
The function f(x) = x3 - 5x2 + -8x + 48 has zeros at -3, 4, and 4.
Example #2:
Write a polynomial function in standard form with zeros at 2, -3, and -1.
f(x) = (x - 2)(x + 3)(x + 1)
Multiply (x + 3) and (x + 1)
f(x) = (x - 2)(x2 + x + 3x + 3)
Simplify
f(x) = (x - 2)(x2 + 4x + 3)
Use the distributive property
f(x) = x(x2 + 4x + 3) + -2(x2 + 4x + 3)
Use the distributive property
f(x) = x3 + 4x2 + 3x - 2x2 - 8x - 6
Combine like terms
f(x) = x3 + 4x2 - 2x2+ 3x - 8x - 6
Simplify
f(x) = x3 + 2x2 - 5x - 6
The function f(x) = x3 + 2x2 - 5x - 6 has zeros at 2, -3, and -1.
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