SOLUTION: Form a polynomial function Zeros: -1, multiplicity 1;3, multiplicity 2; degree 3 please help! i don't even understand what multiplicity is, i would really appreciate the help. ple

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: Form a polynomial function Zeros: -1, multiplicity 1;3, multiplicity 2; degree 3 please help! i don't even understand what multiplicity is, i would really appreciate the help. ple      Log On


   

Question 799646: Form a polynomial function Zeros: -1, multiplicity 1;3, multiplicity 2; degree 3
please help! i don't even understand what multiplicity is, i would really appreciate the help. please and thank you.
Answer by josgarithmetic(39630) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Multiplicity means, the count of the occurrences of the factor. Know the distinction between a term and a factor. You are focusing on FACTORs.

Zero of -1, multiplicity of 1:
Factor is %28x-%28-1%29%29%5E1 or simply, %28x%2B1%29.

Zero of 3, multiplicity of 2:
Factor is %28x-3%29%5E2.

Those are the factors. The x+1 only occurs 1 time.
The x-3 occurs 2 times. The total exponent on the x when all multiplication is performed will be x%5E3, which is why you are told "degree 3".

The polynomial function is somethingOf%28x%29=%28x%2B1%29%28x-3%29%5E2