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I need help!!!

Use the rational zero theorem, which of the following could not be a rational zero of: 6x^5+ax^3=bx+12? 1/2 -3/4 -2

User Hugh Allen
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1 Answer

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Answer: x = -3/4 can not be a rational zero of the polynomial.

Explanation:

We have the polynomial:

6x^5 + ax^3 -bx -12 = 0.

The theorem says that:

If P(x) is a polynomial with integer coefficients, and p/q is a zero of P(x) then p is a factor of the constant term (in this case the constant term is -12) and q is a factor of the leading coefficient (in this case the leading coefficient is 6.).

The factors of -12 (different than itself) are (independent of the sign).

1, 2, 3, 4 and 6.

So p can be: 1, -1, 2, -2, 3, -3, 4, -4, 6, -6.

The factors of 6 are:

1, 2 and 3, so q can be 1, -1, 2, -2, 3, -3.

Then the option that can not be a zero of the polynomial is

x = -3/4

because the number in the denominator must be a factor of the leading coefficient, and 4 is not a factor of six.

User Kaes
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