Chapter 11: Problem 49
Use synthetic division to determine whether the given number is a zero of the polynomial function. $$ 2-i ; \quad f(x)=x^{2}+3 x+4 $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
\(2 - i\) is not a zero of the polynomial function \(f(x) = x^2 + 3x + 4\).
Step by step solution
01
- Understand the Problem
The goal is to determine if the complex number \(2 - i\) is a zero of the polynomial function \(f(x) = x^2 + 3x + 4\). Synthetic division will be used to test this.
02
- Set Up Synthetic Division
Write the coefficients of the polynomial \(f(x)\). For \(f(x) = x^2 + 3x + 4\), the coefficients are \([1, 3, 4]\). We will use \(2 - i\) for the synthetic division.
03
- Perform Synthetic Division
Set up synthetic division by writing \(2 - i\) on the left, and the coefficients \([1, 3, 4]\) of the polynomial on the right side of the line. 1. Bring down the first coefficient (1).2. Multiply \(1\) by \(2 - i\), which results in \(2 - i\). Write this under the next coefficient (3).3. Add: \(3 + (2 - i) = 5 - i\). Write this sum underneath.4. Multiply \(5 - i\) by \(2 - i\), giving \((5 - i)(2 - i) = 10 - 5i - 2i + i^2 = 10 - 7i - 1 = 9 - 7i\).5. Add: \(4 + (9 - 7i) = 13 - 7i\).
04
- Analyze the Remainder
The final value after synthetic division is \(13 - 7i\). Since this is not zero, \(2 - i\) is not a zero of the polynomial function.
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Complex Numbers in Polynomials
Polynomials often have complex numbers as their roots. A complex number is a number that includes a real part and an imaginary part, typically written as \(a + bi\), where \(i\) is the imaginary unit satisfying \(i^2 = -1\). For example, in the problem, we are given the complex number \(2 - i\). When dealing with complex roots, always remember:
- Every complex number has a real and an imaginary component.
- Adding or multiplying complex numbers involves combining like terms.
- Imaginary numbers follow unique rules, such as \(i^2 = -1\).
Zeroes of Polynomial Functions
Zeroes of polynomial functions are the values of \(x\) that make the function equal to zero. In other words, they are the solutions to \(f(x) = 0\). For example, if \(f(x) = x^2 + 3x + 4\), we want to determine if \(2 - i\) is a zero of this polynomial function.
Here's why zeroes are important:
Here's why zeroes are important:
- They reveal where the graph of the polynomial crosses or touches the x-axis.
- They are critical for factoring polynomials and simplifying expressions.
- Finding zeroes can provide insights into the behavior of the function.
Step-by-Step Synthetic Division
Synthetic division is a simplified method for dividing polynomials, especially useful when testing potential zeroes. Here’s the step-by-step guide, as applied in the problem:
Step 1 - Write the Coefficients
For \(f(x) = x^2 + 3x + 4\), list the coefficients: \([1, 3, 4]\).
Step 2 - Set Up the Division
Place the complex number \(2 - i\) outside the division setup and the coefficients inside.
Step 3 - Perform Synthetic Division
Step 4 - Analyze the Remainder
The final result is the remainder: \(13 - 7i\). Since the remainder is not zero, \(2 - i\) is not a zero of the polynomial. Always ensure you correctly perform each arithmetic step, especially with complex numbers, to avoid mistakes.
Step 1 - Write the Coefficients
For \(f(x) = x^2 + 3x + 4\), list the coefficients: \([1, 3, 4]\).
Step 2 - Set Up the Division
Place the complex number \(2 - i\) outside the division setup and the coefficients inside.
Step 3 - Perform Synthetic Division
- Bring down the first coefficient (1).
- Multiply by \(2 - i\): \(1 \cdot (2 - i) = 2 - i\). Write this under the next coefficient (3).
- Add the results: \(3 + (2 - i) = 5 - i\).
- Multiply the sum by \(2 - i\): \((5 - i)(2 - i) = 10 - 5i - 2i + i^2 = 10 - 7i - 1 = 9 - 7i\).
- Add the multiplication result to the next coefficient: \(4 + (9 - 7i) = 13 - 7i\).
Step 4 - Analyze the Remainder
The final result is the remainder: \(13 - 7i\). Since the remainder is not zero, \(2 - i\) is not a zero of the polynomial. Always ensure you correctly perform each arithmetic step, especially with complex numbers, to avoid mistakes.