18. 4p* – 25p2 = –16p2

1. when "a" is a root of a polynomial, (x -a) is a factor of it. for the three roots given, the factors of the desired polynomial are (x +2)(x -1/2)(x -3).

in order to make the leading coefficient be negative, we need to multiply this product by a negative number. any negative number will do, but we choose a small (magnitude) value that will eliminate the fraction: -2.

then

f(x) = -2(x +2)(x -1/2)(x -3) = -(x +2)(2x -1)(x -3)

= -(2x² +3x -2)(x -3)

= -(2x³ -3x² -11x +6)

f(x) = -2x³ +3x² +11x -6

2. a graph created by the desmos on-line graphing calculator is shown, and the zeros are highlighted.

3. as indicated in part 1, the multiplier of this equation can be anything and the zeros will remain the same. you want a negative leading coefficient, so the "anything" is restricted to any of the infinite number of numbers that will make that be the case.

a) is $10.34

b) is 6 toppings

large crystals result from very slow cooling.

evaporation of water: this would produce an evaporite which is a sedimentary rock. like a salt pan in a desert. not possible to have volcanic rocks originate this way.

crystalization in molten earth: slow cooling over time. (hundreds to millions of years)

crystalization at earth's surface: this results in fast cooling. (a few hours to a few months or years)

crystalization from cooling off hot water: that would be a hydrothermal deposit. while associated with volcanics they are not volcanic rocks themselves and usually occur fairly rapidly.