Consider the fourth-degree polynomial f(x) = x4 + ax2 + b.                              (i) Show that there is one critical number when a = 0. Then find the open intervals on which the function is increasing or decreasing. (ii) Show that there is one critical number when a > 0. Then find the open intervals on which the function is increasing or decreasing. (iii) Show that there are three critical numbers when a < 0. Then find the open intervals on which the function is increasing or decreasing. (iv) Show that there are no real zeros when a2 < 4b. (v) Determine the possible number of zeros when a2 ≥ 4b. Explain your reasoning.

Algebra & Trigonometry with Analytic Geometry
13th Edition
ISBN:9781133382119
Author:Swokowski
Publisher:Swokowski
Chapter4: Polynomial And Rational Functions
Section4.5: Rational Functions
Problem 54E
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Consider the fourth-degree polynomial f(x) = x4 + ax2 + b.                              (i) Show that there is one critical number when a = 0. Then find the open intervals on which the function is increasing or decreasing. (ii) Show that there is one critical number when a > 0. Then find the open intervals on which the function is increasing or decreasing. (iii) Show that there are three critical numbers when a < 0. Then find the open intervals on which the function is increasing or decreasing. (iv) Show that there are no real zeros when a2 < 4b. (v) Determine the possible number of zeros when a2 ≥ 4b. Explain your reasoning.

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