Chapter 3: Problem 77
Write a polynomial \(f(x)\) that meets the given conditions. Answers may vary. (See Example 10 ) Degree 3 polynomial with zeros \(-2,3 i,\) and \(-3 i\).
Short Answer
Expert verified
The polynomial is f(x) = x^3 + 2x^2 - 9x - 18.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the zeros
The given zeros are -2, 3i, and -3i.
02
Write the factors
For each zero, write its corresponding factor: If -2 is a zero, the factor is (x + 2). If 3i is a zero, the factor is (x - 3i). If -3i is a zero, the factor is (x + 3i).
03
Multiply the complex factors
First, multiply the factors involving i: (x - 3i)(x + 3i). This simplifies using the difference of squares: (x^2 - (3i)^2) = (x^2 - 9).
04
Multiply all factors
Now, multiply (x + 2) by (x^2 - 9): (x + 2)(x^2 - 9). Using distribution (FOIL method): (x)(x^2) + (x)(-9) + (2)(x^2) + (2)(-9) = x^3 - 9x + 2x^2 - 18. Arrange in standard polynomial form: x^3 + 2x^2 - 9x - 18.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
degree of polynomial
The degree of a polynomial is a fundamental concept. It is the highest power of the variable in the polynomial expression. For instance, in the exercise, we have a polynomial with a degree 3, because the highest power of the variable x is 3. This tells us that there are three roots (or zeros) for the polynomial. Polynomials are named based on their degrees:
- Degree 1: Linear polynomial - e.g., \(ax + b\)
- Degree 2: Quadratic polynomial - e.g., \(ax^2 + bx + c\)
- Degree 3: Cubic polynomial - e.g., \(ax^3 + bx^2 + cx + d\)
complex zeros
Complex zeros are solutions to a polynomial equation that have both real and imaginary parts. Here, we have complex zeros \(3i\) and \(-3i\). Complex numbers are in the form \(a + bi\), where \(i\) is the imaginary unit with the property that \(i^2 = -1\). Complex zeros often come in conjugate pairs (e.g., \(3i\) and \(-3i\)), ensuring that when multiplied, the imaginary parts cancel out. This affects how we write and simplify polynomial factors. For example, multiplying \((x - 3i)(x + 3i)\) results in a real polynomial expression \(x^2 + 9\).
standard polynomial form
A polynomial in standard form is arranged by the terms' degrees in descending order. Each term consists of a coefficient and a power of the variable. The polynomial from the solution is \(x^3 + 2x^2 - 9x - 18\), which is already in standard form:
- \(x^3\) (cubic term)
- \(2x^2\) (quadratic term)
- \(-9x\) (linear term)
- \(-18\) (constant term)
distribution method
The distribution method, often called the FOIL (First, Outer, Inner, Last) method, is a technique to expand binomials. This method ensures that each term in one binomial is multiplied by each term in the other binomial. For example, in the exercise, multiplying \((x + 2)(x^2 - 9)\) involves:
\((x + 2)(x^2 - 9) = x(x^2) + x(-9) + 2(x^2) + 2(-9) = x^3 - 9x + 2x^2 - 18\).
This detailed multiplication helps in systematically expanding and simplifying expressions, leading to the correct polynomial form.
\((x + 2)(x^2 - 9) = x(x^2) + x(-9) + 2(x^2) + 2(-9) = x^3 - 9x + 2x^2 - 18\).
This detailed multiplication helps in systematically expanding and simplifying expressions, leading to the correct polynomial form.
difference of squares
The difference of squares is a handy algebraic identity used to simplify expressions involving squares. It states that \(a^2 - b^2 = (a - b)(a + b)\). In the exercise, we use this identity to simplify the product of complex factors:
\((x - 3i)(x + 3i) = x^2 - (3i)^2 = x^2 - 9\).
Here, \(a = x\) and \(b = 3i\). The identity helps us remove the imaginary unit, turning the expression into a real polynomial. This method is widely applicable for various problems involving squares.
\((x - 3i)(x + 3i) = x^2 - (3i)^2 = x^2 - 9\).
Here, \(a = x\) and \(b = 3i\). The identity helps us remove the imaginary unit, turning the expression into a real polynomial. This method is widely applicable for various problems involving squares.