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