Question 550135
Given the function f(x)=x(x-2)^2(x-4)
I. find x and y intercept
II.Determine whether the graph crosses or touches the x-axis at each intercept
III. Graph the function
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I. x-intercept:
set y=0, then solve for x
x(x-2)^2(x-4=0
x-intercepts=0,2(mult. 2), and 4
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y-intercept
set x=0, then solve for y
y-intercept=x(x-2)(x-2)(x-4)
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II. Number line:
<....+....0....-....2...-.....4...+.....>
For x>4, f>0
Moving to the left, the sign of each interval switches each time we go thru a zero of odd multiplicity like 1, 3, 5, etc.  The sign of each in interval does not change if we go thru a zero of even multiplicity like 2, 4, 6, etc. Accordingly, the graph crosses the x-axis at x= 0 and 4, but at x=2, only touches but does not cross the x-axis.
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III.See graph below as a visual check on the above:
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{{{ graph( 300, 300, -10, 10, -10, 10,x^4-8x^3+20x^2-16x))) }}}