Q:

Write a polynomial function f of least degree that has rational coefficients, a leading coefficient of 1, and the given zeros. -1, 2, 3

Accepted Solution

A:
Answer:f(x) = x³ - 4x² + x + 6Step-by-step explanation:The polynomial function f has zeros at -1, 2, and 3. So, the least degree of the polynomial will be 3{As it has three roots}. Then, if the function is of x variable then (x + 1), (x - 2) and (x - 3) will be the factors of the polynomial. Therefore, we can write  f(x) = (x + 1)(x - 2)(x - 3) ⇒ f(x) = (x + 1)(x² - 5x + 6) ⇒ f(x) = x³ - 5x² + 6x + x² - 5x + 6 ⇒ f(x) = x³ - 4x² + x + 6  Hence, this is the polynomial with least degree having rational coefficients and with leading coefficient of 1 and the zeroes -1, 2, 3. (Answer)