Which of these polynomial equations is of least degree and has -1, 2, and 4 as three of its roots?
5x2 + 2x + 8 = 0
(x + 2)(x - 1)(x + 4) = 0
x3 - 5x2 + 2x + 8 = 0
x4 - x3 - 5x2 + 2x + 8 = 0

x^3 - 5 x^2 + 2 x + 8 = 0

Step-by-step explanation:

Solve for x over the real numbers:

x^3 - 5 x^2 + 2 x + 8 = 0

The left hand side factors into a product with three terms:

(x - 4) (x - 2) (x + 1) = 0

Split into three equations:

x - 4 = 0 or x - 2 = 0 or x + 1 = 0

Add 4 to both sides:

x = 4 or x - 2 = 0 or x + 1 = 0

Add 2 to both sides:

x = 4 or x = 2 or x + 1 = 0

Subtract 1 from both sides:

x = 4 or x = 2 or x = -1

function 2 has a greater rate of change than function 1

function 2 has a greater y-intercept than function 1

step-by-step explanation: