Multiplicity of Zeros of Functions

TEACHER NOTES

MATH NSPIRED
Math Objectives
Students will determine the multiplicity of zeros of a polynomial
function when given its graph or its equation in factored form.
Students will write an equation for a polynomial function when given
information about its zeros and the multiplicity of the zeros.
Students will write an equation for a polynomial function when given
its graph.
Use appropriate tools strategically (CCSS Mathematical Practice).
Look for and make use of structure (CCSS Mathematical Practice).

TI-Nspire Technology Skills:

Download a TI-Nspire
document

Vocabulary
degree of a polynomial

Open a document

end behavior

Move between pages

multiple zeros

Grab and drag a point

multiplicity
Tech Tips:
Make sure the font size on

About the Lesson

This lesson involves students utilizing graphs and equations of five
polynomial functions to determine the zeros of the functions and
whether the functions cross the x-axis or just touch the x-axis at the

your TI-Nspire handhelds is

set to Medium.
You can hide the function
entry line by pressing /

zeros.

G.

As a result, students will:

Determine the degree of the polynomial functions and the effect
the degree has upon the end behavior of the functions.
Write possible equations for a polynomial function, given
information about its zeros.
Write the equations in factored form, given the graphs of three
functions.

Lesson Materials:
Student Activity
Multiplicity_of_Zeros_of_
Functions_Student.pdf
Multiplicity_of_Zeros_of_
Functions_Student.doc
TI-Nspire document
Multiplicity_of_Zeros_of_
Functions.tns

TI-Nspire Navigator System

Send the .tns file to students
Use Screen Capture or Quick Poll to examine the values of x for
which the graph crosses the x-axis
Use Quick Poll questions to adjust the pace of the lesson according

Visit www.mathnspired.com for

lesson updates and tech tip
videos.

to student understanding

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Multiplicity of Zeros of Functions

TEACHER NOTES

MATH NSPIRED
Discussion Points and Possible Answers

Move to page 1.2.

1. Click the slider until it reads #1.
a. What are the zeros of the function?
Answer: x = 1, x = 2, x = 1
b. For what value(s) of x does the graph of the function cross the x-axis?
Answer: x = 1, x = 2
c.

For what value(s) of x does the graph of the function touch but not cross the x-axis?
Answer: x = 1

d. What degree is the polynomial?

Answer: 4
TI-Nspire Navigator Opportunity: Live Presenter
See Note 1 at the end of this lesson.
2. Click the slider again for functions #2#5. For each function, answer the questions asked in
Question 1. Use the table below to record your results.
Answer:
#

Function
2

Zeros

Cross

Touch

Degree

f(x) = (x + 1)(x 2) (x 1)

1, 2, 1

1, 1

f(x) = (x + 2) (x 1)

2, 1

None

2, 1

f(x) = (x + 1) (x 1)(x 2)

1, 1, 2

1, 1, 2

None

f(x) = (x 2) (x 1)(x + 1)

1, 1, 2

1, 2

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Multiplicity of Zeros of Functions

TEACHER NOTES

MATH NSPIRED
3. How are the zeros of a polynomial function related to the factors of a polynomial function?
Answer: The zeros of the function are the solutions when the factors are set equal to zero and
solved. When the coefficient of x is 1 in the factor, the zero and the constant term in the factor have
opposite signs.
Teacher Tip: All the polynomial functions in this activity have a leading
coefficient of 1.
4. How do the exponents in each term in the factored form of the polynomial function affect its graph?
Answer: When the exponent of the factor is odd, the graph crosses the x-axis at the corresponding
zero. When the exponent of the factor is even, the graph just touches the x-axis at the corresponding
zero.
5. Revisit graphs #1#5, and observe the end behavior for the polynomial functions. What does the
degree of the polynomial function tell you about its end behavior?
Sample Answers: When the degree of a polynomial function is even and the leading coefficient is
positive, the arms of the graph are both up. (x , f(x) ; x , f(x) ). When the degree of
a polynomial function is odd and the leading coefficient is positive, then one arm is down and one
arm is up. (x , f(x) ; x , f(x) ).
TI-Nspire Navigator Opportunity: Quick Poll
See Note 2 at the end of this lesson.
6. When a polynomial has a repeated linear factor, it has a multiple zero. Write the factored form of a
polynomial function that crosses the x-axis at x = 2 and x = 5 and touches the x-axis at x = 3. Which
of the zeros of the function must have a multiplicity greater than 1? Explain your reasoning.
2

Answer: f(x) = (x + 2)(x 5)(x 3) ; x = 3 must have a multiplicity greater than 1 because the graph
just touches the x-axis.
Teacher Tip: The other factors could have a multiplicity greater than 1
because the degree of the polynomial is not given. However, x = 3 is the
only zero in this condition that must have a multiplicity greater than 1.

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Multiplicity of Zeros of Functions

TEACHER NOTES

MATH NSPIRED
7. Write two additional polynomial functions that meet the same conditions as described in Question 6.
Explain what is different from your function in Question 6, and how you determined your polynomial
functions.
Sample Answers: Answers will vary. However, the exponents of the factors (x + 2) and (x 5) must
be odd because the graph crosses at these corresponding zeros. The exponent of the factor (x 3)
must be even because the graph just touches the x-axis at x = 3.
Examples:

f(x) = (x + 2)(x 5)(x 3)

f(x) = (x + 2) (x 5)(x 3)
3

f(x) = (x + 2) (x 5) (x 3)

Teacher Tip: Students might change the a-value instead of the exponents
2

of the factors. For example, f(x) = 2(x + 2)(x 5)(x 3) . Encourage the
students to explore the meaning of varying exponents.
Move to page 2.1.
8. Click the slider until it reads #1.
a. Write the factored form of the polynomial function graphed.
2

Answer: f(x) = (x + 1)(x 1) (x 2)

b. Describe how you determined the factors of the polynomial function.
Sample Answers: The graph crosses the x-axis at x = 1 and x = 2 and touches at x = 1. This
means there is multiplicity at x = 1. One factor must be (x 1) raised to an even power. Since the
degree of the polynomial is 4, the exponents of the factors must add to 4. If (x 2) takes a power
of 2 for multiplicity, (x + 1) and (x 2) can only have a power of 1.
9. Click the slider until it reads #2.
a. Write the factored form of the polynomial function graphed.
2

Answer: f(x) = (x + 1) (x 1)

b. Describe how you determined the degree of each of the factors of the polynomial function.
Answer: The graph never crosses the x-axis, but it touches at x = 1 and x = 1, meaning both
are multiple zeros. The degree of the polynomial is 4, so each factor has an exponent of 2.

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Multiplicity of Zeros of Functions

TEACHER NOTES

MATH NSPIRED
10. Click the slider until it reads #3.
a. Write the factored form of the polynomial function graphed.
Answer: f(x) = (x + 2)(x + 1)(x 1)

b. Verify your answer by expanding the polynomial and comparing to the standard form given.
Answer: The graph of the function crosses at x = 2, x = 1, and x = 1. Since the degree of the
polynomial is 5, one of the roots has a multiplicity of 3.
Expansion:
f(x) = (x + 2)(x + 1)(x 1)
2

f(x) = (x + 3x + 2)(x 3x + 3x 1)
5

f(x) = x 4x + 2x + 3x 2
Teacher Tip: Students might not recognize which zero should have a
multiplicity of 3. If the first expansion does not match the given equation,
they might have to reconsider their function. This would be a good place to
discuss concavity if appropriate.
11. For what reasons would you use the factored form of a polynomial equation? The standard form?
Answer: The factored form of a polynomial function shows the x-intercepts clearly, while it is easier
to find the y-intercept using the standard form.

Wrap Up
Upon completion of the discussion, the teacher should ensure that students are able to understand:
The multiplicity of zeros of a polynomial function when given its graph or its equation in factored form.

How to write an equation for a polynomial function when given information about its zeros and the
multiplicity of the zeros.

How to write an equation for a polynomial function when given its graph.

2011 Texas Instruments Incorporated

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Multiplicity of Zeros of Functions

TEACHER NOTES

MATH NSPIRED
Extension
Move back to graph #4 on page 1.2. Compare and contrast how the graph of the function looks when it
crosses the x-axis at x = 1 versus how it looks when it crosses the x-axis at x = 1 and x = 2. Why do you
think there are differences in the graph and how does it relate to the multiplicity of each of these zeros?
(Zoom in if necessary.)
Answer: Although the graph crosses the x-axis at all three zeros, there is a difference in the behavior of
the graph at x = 1. At x = 1, the function changes concavity, which is a result of the factor
(x + 1) having an odd exponent greater than 1.

TI-Nspire Navigator
Note 1
Question 2, Live Presenter
After students have answered all of the parts of Question 2, use Teacher Edition computer software or
Live Presenter to show students the zeros of graph #1. Use the Point On tool and drag it to each of the
three zeros. See how many students were able to identify all three. (Note: Do not use the Graph Trace
tool because there are multiple functions graphed in this problem.)
Repeat this demonstration with graphs #2 #5 if so desired.
Note 2
Questions 45, Quick Poll
Use several Quick Polls to test students understanding of exponents and degrees affect on the behavior
of a graph. For example:
2

1. A polynomial has a factor (x 8) . What happens at the zero?

A. Touches the x-axis
B. Crosses the x-axis
Correct answer: A
2. A polynomial has degree 7 and has a leading coefficient of 3. The arms of the graph are:
A. both up.
B. both down.
C. one up and one down.
Correct answer: C

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