SOLUTION: Please explain multiplicity, I have completely lost. I understand that it is the number of times X is raised to. Such as (x-2)^3 is multiplicity of 3 and with 2 zero's. I think I u

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Question 908292: Please explain multiplicity, I have completely lost. I understand that it is the number of times X is raised to. Such as (x-2)^3 is multiplicity of 3 and with 2 zero's. I think I understand that correctly. What I don't understand is when given a graph how I would find the multiplicity. I have a few problems I must solve and multiplicity or lowest possible values for n are confusing me to no end. I've google searched and found nothing that "clicks" to where I can identify with the graphs. Please explain this. Here is the graphs:
http://i.imgur.com/2JA8fKq.png

Thank you

Found 2 solutions by richwmiller, ewatrrr:
Answer by richwmiller(17219)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!

As I understand it, multiplicity is the number of time same zero appears as a solution.
See
http://www.mathwords.com/m/multiplicity.htm
I think this explains it best with graph examples
http://www.purplemath.com/modules/polyends2.htm
Every time the graph crosses the x axis count one more zero
Every time the graph touches but doesn't cross the x axis add at least two zeroes

Answer by ewatrrr(24785)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
 
Hi
(x-2)^3 = (x-2)(x-2)(x-2) Green (multiplicity of 3) x = 2
(x-2)^2 = (x-2)(x-2)Blue (multiplicity of 2) x = 2

I. 3rd Degree Equations are s - shaped
II. 2nd Degree are Parabolas
III. These types crossing x-axis only once indicates multiplicity
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