Example 1:

Graph the polynomial p(x) = (x-3)(x+2)(x+5).

    We first start by plotting the roots - which are 3, -2, and -5.

    plotted points

    Now we see if the coefficient in front of the x3 is positive or negative. When we expand it, we get:
    x3 + 4x2 - 11x - 30 therefore it is positive which implys the graph will go from bottom left to upper right.

    arrows of graph

    Since it is easy to substitute the value x = 0, we see that there is another point (0,-30) that will help in the plotting of the graph. Using this, we sketch the graph to be

    graph

    But the graph might also look like this

    graph

    Since it is only a sketch, both of these are a valid answer.





Example 2:

Graph the polynomial p(x) = (-x+2)(x2+5).

    First we plot the real roots. In this case there is only one, it being 2.

    plotting points

    When expand the polynomial we get -x3.+.2x2.-.5x.+.10. Therefore the graph goes from upper left to lower right.

    arrows for graph

    Again by subtituting the value x = 0, we get the point (0,10). Combining this bit of information, we get a sketch of the graph to look like

    graph

    Another sketch is:

    graph

    And still another sketch could be

    graph

    Again, all are valid SKETCHES. With the information that we have, it is not possible to determine the shape of the graph any more then what we have done.

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