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What is the polynomial function of lowest ² degree with a leading coefficient of 1 and roots √3, –4, and 4?

A) f(x) = x³ - 3x² + 16x + 48
B) f(x) = x³ - 3x² - 16x + 48
C) f(x) = x⁴ - 19x² + 48
D) f(x) = x⁴ - 13x² + 48

User MhmdRizk
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The polynomial function with the lowest degree and a leading coefficient of 1, with roots √3, -4, and 4, is f(x) = (x² - 3)(x + 4)(x - 4).

Step-by-step explanation:

To find the polynomial function with the lowest degree and a leading coefficient of 1, we can use the fact that the roots are √3, -4, and 4. Since square roots are involved, the degree of the polynomial will be at least 2. We know that the factors of the polynomial will be (x - √3), (x + 4), and (x - 4) because those are the values that make the polynomial equal to 0 at its roots. Multiplying these factors together gives us the polynomial function of lowest degree:

f(x) = (x - √3)(x + 4)(x - 4)

Simplifying further, we get:

f(x) = (x² - 3)(x + 4)(x - 4)

User EarGrowth
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