To analyze the polynomial \( k(x) = -0.5x^5(3x+1)^2(1-4x) \), we will focus on the factor \( (3x+1) \).
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Finding the multiplicity of \( (3x+1) \): The factor \( (3x+1) \) appears in \( k(x) \) as \( (3x+1)^2 \). Therefore, the multiplicity of \( (3x+1) \) is 2.
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Describing the behavior of the graph at the associated x-intercept: When the multiplicity of a factor is even, the graph will touch the x-axis at the x-intercept corresponding to that factor and turn around (bounce off).
The x-intercept associated with \( (3x+1) \) is found by setting it to zero:
\[ 3x + 1 = 0 \quad \Rightarrow \quad 3x = -1 \quad \Rightarrow \quad x = -\frac{1}{3} \]
At this x-intercept \( x = -\frac{1}{3} \), since the multiplicity is even (specifically, 2), the graph of \( k(x) \) will touch the x-axis and turn around.
Final conclusion:
- The multiplicity of \( (3x+1) \) is 2.
- At the associated x-intercept, the graph of \( k(x) \) touches the x-axis and turns around.