Chapter 12: Problem 57
Consider the equation \(x^{3}+p x-q=0,\) where \(p\) and \(q\) are prime numbers. Observe that there are only four possible rational roots here: \(1,-1, q,\) and \(-q\) (a) Show that if \(x=1\) is a root, then we must have \(q=3\) and \(p=2 .\) What are the remaining roots in this case? (b) Show that none of the numbers \(-1, q,\) and \(-q\) can be a root of the equation. Hint: For each case, assume the contrary, and deduce a contradiction.
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Verify the Root x=1
Solve for p and q
Determine Remaining Roots for x=1
Calculate Remaining Roots
Verify x = -1 as a Root
Verify x = q as a Root
Verify x = -q as a Root
Conclusion
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Polynomial Division
- If \( x = 1 \) is a root, then \( (x - 1) \) becomes a factor of the polynomial.
- Dividing the polynomial \( x^3 + 2x - 3 \) by \( (x - 1) \) simplifies it to \( (x - 1)(x^2 + x + 3) \).
- Each quotient obtained in polynomial division, like \( x^2 + x + 3 \), can also be explored for further factors.
Quadratic Formula
\[ x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a} \]In this case:
- \( a = 1 \)
- \( b = 1 \)
- \( c = 3 \)
\[ x = \frac{-1 \pm \sqrt{1^2 - 4 \times 1 \times 3}}{2 \times 1} = \frac{-1 \pm \sqrt{-11}}{2} \]
Since the discriminant is negative (\( b^2 - 4ac = -11 \)), the equation has no real roots, implying the presence of complex roots.
Complex Roots
- The quadratic equation \( x^2 + x + 3 \) yields a discriminant of \(-11\), indicating that the roots are not real but complex.
\[ x = \frac{-1 \pm i\sqrt{11}}{2}\]Complex roots often appear in conjugate pairs, which helps ensure that all coefficients of a polynomial remain real. When dealing with complex roots:
- It's important to understand their implications in the context of real-world applications.
- They provide insight into systems that may have oscillatory or phase-shift components.
Prime Numbers in Polynomials
Given \( p \) and \( q \) as primes, certain assumptions must be consistently checked for validity:
- For instance, if \( x = 1 \) is a rational root, leading to \( q = 1 + p \), it must lead to legitimate, prime outcomes, like \( p = 2 \) and \( q = 3 \).
- Proving that no other possible rational roots, like \( -1, q, -q \), work involves demonstrating contradictions in the prime constraints.