To find the zeros and their multiplicities for the polynomial function \( f(x) = 4(x - 6)(x + 7)^3 \), let's start by identifying the zeros.
Part 1: Zeros
- Set the function equal to zero:
\[
f(x) = 4(x - 6)(x + 7)^3 = 0
\]
This gives us two factors to consider:
- The first factor \( (x - 6) \) gives a zero at \( x = 6 \).
- The second factor \( (x + 7)^3 \) gives a zero at \( x = -7 \).
Thus, the zeros are: \[ 6, -7 \]
Part 2: Multiplicities
Now we can determine the multiplicities:
- The zero \( x = 6 \) comes from the factor \( (x - 6) \), which has a multiplicity of 1.
- The zero \( x = -7 \) comes from the factor \( (x + 7)^3 \), which has a multiplicity of 3.
Summary of Multiplicities:
- The multiplicity of the zero at \( x = 6 \) is \( 1 \) (smallest zero).
- The multiplicity of the zero at \( x = -7 \) is \( 3 \) (largest zero).
Behavior of the Function at Each Zero
The behavior of the graph at each zero is determined by the multiplicity:
- A zero with an odd multiplicity will cross the x-axis.
- A zero with an even multiplicity will touch the x-axis and turn around.
Thus:
- At \( x = 6 \) (multiplicity is 1, which is odd), the graph crosses the x-axis.
- At \( x = -7 \) (multiplicity is 3, which is odd), the graph also crosses the x-axis.
Final Answers
-
Zeros: \[ 6, -7 \]
-
Multiplicities:
- There are two zeros. The multiplicity of the largest zero (6) is \( 1 \). The multiplicity of the smallest zero (-7) is \( 3 \).
-
Behavior:
- The graph crosses the x-axis at \( x = 6 \) and crosses the x-axis at \( x = -7 \).
Putting it all together, your answer will be:
- Zeros: \( 6, -7 \)
- Multiplicities:
- The multiplicity of the largest zero is \( 1 \).
- The multiplicity of the smallest zero is \( 3 \).
- Behavior:
- The graph crosses the x-axis at \( x = 6 \) and \( x = -7 \).