SOLUTION: I need help on finding the potential rational zeros of the polynomial function f(x) = -4x^4 + 3x^2 - 4x + 6

Algebra.Com
Question 269865: I need help on finding the potential rational zeros of the polynomial function
f(x) = -4x^4 + 3x^2 - 4x + 6

Found 2 solutions by drk, Edwin McCravy:
Answer by drk(1908)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
First we apply P - N - I to help us view sign changes and possible combinations.
P . . . . N . . . . I
3 . . . . 1 . . . .0
1 . . . . 1 . . . .2
So we know that there must be 1 real negative root.
-----------
next we apply P / Q as
P: +-1, +-2, +-3, +-6
Q: +-1, +-2, +-4
we take all possible fractions and get:
P/Q = +-1, +-1/2 +-1/4, +-2, +-3, +-3/2, +-3/4, +-6
This is our list of potential rational zeros

Answer by Edwin McCravy(20054)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
need help on finding the potential rational zeros of the polynomial function
f(x) = -4x4 + 3x2 - 4x + 6

All rational zeros of a polynomial in descending order, 
if there are any, are fractions with a numerator which 
is ± an integer factor of the last term in absolute value,
and a denominator which is ± an integer factor of the first 
coefficient in absolute value.

The factors of the last term, 6, in absolute value are

1, 2, 3, 6 

The factors of the first coefficient, -4, in absolute value
are

1,2,4.

No we make all possible fractions which have a numerator 
of 1,2,3,or 6 and a denominator 1,2, or 4:

1/1, 1/2, 1/4, 2/1, 2/2. 2/4, 3/1, 3/2. 3/4, 6/1, 6/2, 6/4

Now we reduce them all

1, 1/2, 1/4, 2, 1. 1/2, 3, 3/2. 3/4, 6, 3, 3/2

Now we remove the duplications:

1, 1/2, 1/4, 2, 3, 3/2, 3/4, 6.

Now we put ± beside them all:

±1, ±1/2, ±1/4, ±2, ±3, ±3/2, ±3/4, ±6.

If there are any rational zeros, they are among
these 16.  

Edwin


RELATED QUESTIONS

I need help listing the potential rational zeros of the polynomial function. f(x) =... (answered by Edwin McCravy)
list the potential rational zeros of the polynomial function. do not find the zeros.... (answered by vleith)
list the potential rational zeros of the polynomial function. Do not find the zeros.... (answered by lynnlo)
list the potential rational zeros of the polynomial function, do not find the zeros.... (answered by jsmallt9)
List the potential rational zeros of the polynomial function. Do not find the zeros.... (answered by fcabanski)
I need help finding the zeros of: F(x)=... (answered by MathLover1,stanbon)
What are the potential rational zeros of the following polynomial function?... (answered by stanbon)
List all of the potential rational zeros of the polynomial function. Do not attempt to... (answered by solver91311)
I need help for finding the other zeros of this polynomial function: f(x)= 2x^3 + 3x^2 (answered by Alan3354)