Question

Which of the number(s) below are potential roots of the function? p(x) = x4 + 22x2 – 16x – 12

Answer 1

Complete question is;

Which of the number(s) below are potential roots of the function? p(x) = x⁴ + 22x² – 16x – 12

A) ±6

B) ±1

C) ±3

D) ±8

Answer:

Options A, B & C: ±6, ±1, ±3

Step-by-step explanation:

We are given the polynomial;

p(x) = x⁴ + 22x² – 16x – 12

Now, the potential roots will be all the rational numbers equivalent of p/q.

Where;

p are the factors of the constant term of the polynomial

q are the factors of the leading coefficient of the polynomial

Now, in the given polynomial, the constant term is seen as -12 while leading coefficient is 1 which is the coefficient of x⁴.

We know that factors of 12 are any of:

±1, ±2, ±3, ±4, ±6 and ±12

While possible factors of 1 is just ±1.

Thus, all the potential roots of the polynomial function are;

±1, ±2, ±3, ±4, ±6 and ±12

From the options given, option A, B & C could be the potential roots.