Form a polynomial function whose real zeros and degree are given. Answers will vary depending on the choice of a leading coefficent. 1. Zeros: -1, multiplicity 1; 3, multiplicity 2; degree 3. Solution Any n-degree polynomial can be written in the form P(x) = (x-r1)(x-r2)...(x-rn), where a is the leading coefficient and r1, r2, ..., rn are the n roots. We have two roots: r1 = -1, r2 = 3, and r3 = 3 (because 3 has multiplicity 2, meaning it is a double-root). If we let = 1 for simplicity, then P(x) = (x+1)(x-3)(x-3) = (x+1)(x^2 - 6x + 9) = x^3 + x^2 - 6x^2 - 6x + 9x + 9, or P(x) = x^3 - 5x^2 + 3x + 9 . .