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A polynomial function h(x)h(x) with integer coefficients has a leading coefficient of 77 and a constant term of 22. According to the Rational Root Theorem, which of the following are possible roots of h(x)h(x)?\newlineMulti-select Choices:\newline(A) 113-\frac{1}{13}\newline(B) 187\frac{18}{7}\newline(C) 27-\frac{2}{7}\newline(D) 14\frac{1}{4}

Full solution

Q. A polynomial function h(x)h(x) with integer coefficients has a leading coefficient of 77 and a constant term of 22. According to the Rational Root Theorem, which of the following are possible roots of h(x)h(x)?\newlineMulti-select Choices:\newline(A) 113-\frac{1}{13}\newline(B) 187\frac{18}{7}\newline(C) 27-\frac{2}{7}\newline(D) 14\frac{1}{4}
  1. Understand Rational Root Theorem: The Rational Root Theorem states that any rational root, expressed in its simplest form pq\frac{p}{q}, must have pp as a factor of the constant term and qq as a factor of the leading coefficient.
  2. Factor Constant Term: List the factors of the constant term 22: ±1\pm1, ±2\pm2.
  3. Factor Leading Coefficient: List the factors of the leading coefficient 77: ±1\pm 1, ±7\pm 7.
  4. Generate Possible Roots: Generate the possible rational roots by combining the factors of the constant term with the factors of the leading coefficient: ±11\pm\frac{1}{1}, ±17\pm\frac{1}{7}, ±21\pm\frac{2}{1}, ±27\pm\frac{2}{7}.
  5. Simplify Roots List: Simplify the list of possible rational roots: ±1\pm 1, ±17\pm \frac{1}{7}, ±2\pm 2, ±27\pm \frac{2}{7}.
  6. Compare with Given Choices: Compare the simplified list of possible roots with the given choices:\newline(A) 113-\frac{1}{13} is not a possible root because 1313 is not a factor of the leading coefficient.\newline(B) 187\frac{18}{7} is not a possible root because 1818 is not a factor of the constant term.\newline(C) 27-\frac{2}{7} is a possible root because 22 is a factor of the constant term and 77 is a factor of the leading coefficient.\newline(D) 14\frac{1}{4} is not a possible root because 44 is not a factor of the leading coefficient.

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