To find the zeros of the polynomial function f(x) = x³ – 9x² – 20x, we need to set the function equal to zero:
f(x) = x³ – 9x² – 20x = 0
First, we can factor out the common term, which in this case is x:
x(x² – 9x – 20) = 0
This gives us one zero, which is x = 0.
Next, we need to solve the quadratic equation x² – 9x – 20 = 0. We can factor this quadratic as well:
(x – 10)(x + 2) = 0
Setting each factor equal to zero gives us the other two zeros:
- x – 10 = 0 → x = 10
- x + 2 = 0 → x = -2
In summary, the zeros of the polynomial function f(x) = x³ – 9x² – 20x are:
- x = 0
- x = 10
- x = -2