Final answer:
To find a polynomial function with rational coefficients, a leading coefficient of 1, and the given zeros (-2, 1, 3), we can use the factored form of a polynomial with roots a, b, and c.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find a polynomial function with rational coefficients, a leading coefficient of 1, and the given zeros (-2, 1, 3), we can use the fact that the polynomial with roots x = a, x = b, and x = c can be written in factored form as (x - a)(x - b)(x - c).
Using this formula, we have (x + 2)(x - 1)(x - 3) as the factored form of our polynomial.
Expanding this, we get (x + 2)(x^2 - 4x + 3) which simplifies to x^3 - 4x^2 + 3x + 6. Therefore, f(x) = x^3 - 4x^2 + 3x + 6 is the polynomial function of least degree in standard form.