Question

Functions f and g are defined for all real
numbers. The function f has zeros at -2, 3, and 7:
and the function g has zeros at -3, -1, 4, and 7.
How many distinct zeros does the product
function f g have?

Answer 1

9514 1404 393

Answer:

  6

Step-by-step explanation:

The number of distinct zeros in the product will be the union of the sets of zeros. Duplicated values are not distinct, so show in the union of sets only once.

  F = {-2, 3, 7}

  G = {-3, -1, 4, 7}

  F∪G = {-3, -2, -1, 3, 4, 7} . . . . . . a 6-element set

The product has 6 distinct zeros.

_____

As you may notice in the graph, the duplicated zero has a multiplicity of 2 in the product.