TI84 Graphing Calculator: Finding Zeros of Polynomial Functions

This video tutorial demonstrates how to use the TI84 graphing calculator to find real rational zeros of a polynomial function. It begins with a straightforward example, explaining how to list possible rational zeros and graph the function to identify x-intercepts. The tutorial then provides a detailed guide on using the zero feature of the TI84 to find and verify zeros, and connects these zeros to the factors of the polynomial. The video concludes with a preview of a more challenging example in the next video.

What is the first step in finding the rational zeros of a polynomial function?

• Use the zero feature on the calculator

• Graph the function on the calculator

• List all possible rational zeros

• Find the derivative of the function

Which of the following is a factor of the constant term 15?

• 7

• 5

• 2

• 4

What does the x-intercept of a graph represent in terms of polynomial functions?

• The slope of the function

• The minimum value of the function

• The maximum value of the function

• The real zeros of the function

Which button do you press to start graphing a function on the TI84 calculator?

• TRACE

• GRAPH

• ZOOM

• Y =

What is the purpose of setting a left and right bound when using the zero feature?

• To change the window settings

• To find the slope of the function

• To isolate the x-intercept

• To zoom in on the graph

What is the zero of the function if the x-intercept is at the point -3, 0?

• x = 0

• x = 3

• x = -3

• x = 1

If x = 1 is a zero of the function, what is the corresponding factor?

• x + 1

• x + 3

• x - 3

• x - 1

How do the zeros of a function relate to its factors?

• Zeros are the same as the coefficients

• Zeros are unrelated to the factors

• Each zero corresponds to a factor of the function

• Zeros determine the degree of the function

What is the leading term of the polynomial if the zeros are -3, 1, and 5?

• x^5

• x^2

• x^3

• x^4

What will the next video in the series focus on?

• Examples with fractional zeros

• Graphing trigonometric functions

• Using a different calculator model

• Finding zeros of linear functions