Chapter 4: Problem 37
Find a polynomial with integer coefficients that satisfies the given conditions. \(Q\) has degree 3 and zeros \(3,2 i,\) and \(-2 i\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The polynomial is \(Q(x) = x^3 - 3x^2 + 4x - 12\).
Step by step solution
01
Identify Given Zeros
The problem gives us the zeros of the polynomial Q as \(3, 2i,\) and \(-2i.\). Since complex roots come in conjugate pairs, \(2i\) and \(-2i\) are indeed conjugates, confirming they can be roots.
02
Construct Linear Factors
Each zero corresponds to a linear factor of the polynomial. Thus, the zeros \(3, 2i,\) and \(-2i\) give the following factors: \((x - 3), (x - 2i),\) and \((x + 2i)\).
03
Form Polynomial from Linear Factors
Multiply the linear factors together to find the polynomial: \[Q(x) = (x - 3)(x - 2i)(x + 2i)\]
04
Simplify Complex Pair
First, simplify the product of the complex conjugates: \[(x - 2i)(x + 2i) = x^2 - (2i)^2 = x^2 - (-4) = x^2 + 4\]
05
Combine Simplified Result with Remaining Factor
Now, the polynomial becomes: \[Q(x) = (x - 3)(x^2 + 4)\]Expand the polynomial:\[Q(x) = x(x^2 + 4) - 3(x^2 + 4)\]\[Q(x) = x^3 + 4x - 3x^2 - 12\]
06
Simplify the Expression
Combine like terms to finalize the polynomial:\[Q(x) = x^3 - 3x^2 + 4x - 12\]
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Complex Conjugates
Complex conjugates are pairs of complex numbers. Every non-real complex number has a conjugate. The conjugate of any complex number can be found by changing the sign of the imaginary part.
- For instance, if you have the complex number \(a + bi\), its conjugate will be \(a - bi\).
- Similarly, the conjugate of \(2i\) is \(-2i\).
Degree of Polynomial
The degree of a polynomial is the highest power of the variable in its expression. It tells us how many solutions or roots the polynomial can have.
- A polynomial of degree 1 is called a linear polynomial.
- A polynomial of degree 2 is known as a quadratic polynomial.
- A polynomial of degree 3 is referred to as a cubic polynomial.
Linear Factors
A linear factor is an expression that, when multiplied by other factors, results in a polynomial. It has the form \(x - r\), where \(r\) is one of the roots of the polynomial.
- In the exercise, the zeros are provided as 3, \(2i\), and \(-2i\).
- These zeros lead to the linear factors: \((x - 3)\), \((x - 2i)\), and \((x + 2i)\).
Zeros of a Polynomial
The zeros of a polynomial, also known as roots, are the values of \(x\) that make the polynomial equal to zero. These are critical because they reveal key properties and behaviors of the polynomial.
- For example, if \(Q(x)\) is our polynomial and we substitute one of its zeros into the polynomial, it will equal zero: \(Q(3) = 0\), \(Q(2i) = 0\), \(Q(-2i) = 0\).
- In this exercise, the zeros are 3, \(2i\), and \(-2i\).