Graph y=x^4 - 3x^2 + 2 & Find x-intercepts

  • Thread starter rachael
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In summary, to graph the equation y=x^4 - 3x^2 + 2, first factor it into (x^2 - 2)(x^2 - 1). Then use the rule of completing the square or synthetic division to find the x-intercepts with exact values. Finally, plot the points and sketch the graph as usual.
  • #1
rachael
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Sketch the graph, labelling the x-intercepts with exact values

how do i work this equation out?

y=x^4 - 3x^2 + 2
 
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  • #2
rachael said:
Sketch the graph, labelling the x-intercepts with exact values

how do i work this equation out?

y=x^4 - 3x^2 + 2

This equation is known as a "biquadratic." It factors. If it helps, set a=x^2 and take a look at it again.

-Dan
 
  • #3
thank you
so the new equation would be
a^2 - 3a + 2
then use the rule 'completing the square'
 
  • #4
You could factor it using synthetic division. Once you find its factors, you can plot the points, test for sign changes, and sketch it as usual.
 

FAQ: Graph y=x^4 - 3x^2 + 2 & Find x-intercepts

What is the equation being graphed?

The equation being graphed is y=x^4 - 3x^2 + 2.

How do you find the x-intercepts of the graph?

The x-intercepts can be found by setting y=0 and solving for x. In this case, we would set x^4 - 3x^2 + 2 = 0 and solve for x to find the x-intercepts.

How many x-intercepts does the graph have?

The graph can have a maximum of four x-intercepts, as it is a fourth degree polynomial. However, it is possible to have less than four x-intercepts depending on the values of the coefficients in the equation.

Can you provide an example of how to find the x-intercepts?

For example, if we have the equation y=x^4 - 3x^2 + 2, we can set y=0 and solve for x. This would give us the equation 0=x^4 - 3x^2 + 2. We can then factor this equation to get (x^2 - 2)(x^2 - 1) = 0. From here, we can solve for x to find the x-intercepts, which would be x=+/-√2 and x=+/-1.

What is the significance of the x-intercepts in this graph?

The x-intercepts represent the points where the graph of the equation intersects with the x-axis. These points have a y-coordinate of 0 and can provide information about the roots or solutions of the equation.

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