Chapter 15: Problem 14
Find the remaining roots of the given equations using synthetic division, given the roots indicated. $$x^{4}-2 x^{3}-20 x^{2}-8 x-96=0 \quad\left(r_{1}=6, r_{2}=-4\right)$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The remaining roots are \(+2i\) and \(-2i\).
Step by step solution
01
Verify Known Roots
First, plug the known roots \( r_1 = 6 \) and \( r_2 = -4 \) into the polynomial equation to verify they are indeed roots. This step confirms that the given solutions are correct.For \( r_1 = 6 \):\[ f(6) = 6^4 - 2(6)^3 - 20(6)^2 - 8(6) - 96 = 0 \] For \( r_2 = -4 \):\[ f(-4) = (-4)^4 - 2(-4)^3 - 20(-4)^2 - 8(-4) - 96 = 0 \] Both calculations confirm that these roots satisfy the equation.
02
Perform Synthetic Division with \( r_1 = 6 \)
Use synthetic division to divide the polynomial by \( x - 6 \).Write down the coefficients: 1, -2, -20, -8, -96.* Drop the first coefficient (1).* Multiply by 6 (root) to get 6; add this to the second coefficient (-2): \(-2 + 6 = 4\).* Multiply 4 by 6 to get 24; add this to the next coefficient (-20): \(-20 + 24 = 4\).* Multiply 4 by 6 again to get 24; add this to -8: \(-8 + 24 = 16\).* Multiply 16 by 6 for 96, add this to -96: \(-96 + 96 = 0\).The quotient polynomial is \(x^3 + 4x^2 + 4x + 16\).
03
Perform Synthetic Division with \( r_2 = -4 \)
Now, divide the quotient polynomial \( x^3 + 4x^2 + 4x + 16 \) by \( x + 4 \) using synthetic division.Coefficients to use: 1, 4, 4, 16.* Drop the first coefficient (1).* Multiply by -4 to get -4; add to 4: \(4 - 4 = 0\).* Multiply 0 by -4 to get 0; add to 4: \(4 + 0 = 4\).* Multiply 4 by -4 to get -16; add to 16: \(16 - 16 = 0\).The resulting polynomial is \(x^2 + 4\).
04
Find Remaining Roots
The simplified polynomial is \(x^2 + 4\). Set this equal to zero and solve for \(x\):\[ x^2 + 4 = 0 \] Subtract 4 from both sides:\[ x^2 = -4 \]Take the square root of both sides:\[ x = \pm \sqrt{-4} = \pm 2i \]Thus, the remaining roots are \(+2i\) and \(-2i\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Polynomial Roots
Finding the roots of a polynomial is like unraveling a mystery. These roots are the values where the polynomial equals zero. They are the 'solutions' to the polynomial equation:
- If given a polynomial \( f(x) = 0 \), the roots are the \( x \)-values that make the equation true.
- Think of roots as the points on a graph where the polynomial curve touches or crosses the x-axis.
- For example, in \( x^4 - 2x^3 - 20x^2 - 8x - 96 = 0 \), roots help us understand where the graph intersects zero.
Complex Numbers
In mathematics, not all polynomial roots are 'real'. Sometimes, especially when dealing with quadratic terms or negative numbers under a square root, we encounter complex numbers:
- A complex number is expressed as \( a + bi \).
- Here, \( a \) is the real part, and \( bi \) is the imaginary part.
- The imaginary unit \( i \) is defined such that \( i^2 = -1 \).
Verification of Roots
Verification ensures that assumed roots are indeed solutions. It's crucial when using methods like synthetic division, which rely on accurate input:
- Plug a root into the original polynomial equation.
- If substituting gives zero, it's a true root.
- This ensures that division will simplify the polynomial correctly.