Chapter 3: Problem 25
Factor the polynomial completely and find all its zeros. State the multiplicity of each zero. $$Q(x)=x^{4}+2 x^{2}+1$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
Zeros are \( x = i \) and \( x = -i \) with multiplicity 2.
Step by step solution
01
Recognize the polynomial form
The given polynomial is \( Q(x) = x^4 + 2x^2 + 1 \). Notice it has the form of a quadratic equation in terms of \(x^2\). You can rewrite it as \((x^2)^2 + 2(x^2) + 1\).
02
Try substitution for ease
Let \( u = x^2 \). The polynomial then becomes \( u^2 + 2u + 1 \). This form makes it easier to apply quadratic methods.
03
Factor the quadratic expression
Factor the quadratic \( u^2 + 2u + 1 \). This can be rewritten as \((u+1)^2\) because it fits the formula \( a^2 + 2ab + b^2 = (a+b)^2 \), where \( a=u \) and \( b=1 \).
04
Resubstitute back to x
Since \( u = x^2 \), replace \( u \) in the factorization \((u+1)^2\) with \( x^2 \) to get \((x^2 + 1)^2\).
05
Solve for zeros by setting factors to zero
Set each factor equal to zero: \((x^2 + 1) = 0\). This leads to \( x^2 = -1 \). The solutions to this equation are \( x = i \) and \( x = -i \), where \( i \) is the imaginary unit.
06
Determine the multiplicity of the zeros
Since the factor \((x^2 + 1)\) appears squared, each of the zeros \( x = i \) and \( x = -i \) have a multiplicity of 2.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Quadratic Substitution
Quadratic substitution is a technique used to simplify polynomial expressions, especially when dealing with higher degree polynomials that display a clear quadratic form nested within them. In our exercise, the polynomial \( Q(x) = x^4 + 2x^2 + 1 \) is transformed using this method.
Here's how it works:
Here's how it works:
- Identify patterns that resemble a quadratic equation. In this case, \( (x^2)^2 + 2(x^2) + 1 \) resembles the standard quadratic form \( a^2 + 2ab + b^2 \).
- Introduce a substitution variable. We let \( u = x^2 \), giving us a simpler quadratic \( u^2 + 2u + 1 \).
- Once transformed, solve or factor the equation as a standard quadratic.
- After solving, substitute back the original variable to complete the solution process.
Zeros of a Polynomial
The zeros of a polynomial are the values of \( x \) that make the polynomial equal to zero. In other words, they are the roots or solutions to the polynomial equation. In solving our problem, the polynomial \( Q(x) = (x^2 + 1)^2 \) leads us to the equation \( (x^2 + 1) = 0 \).
Solving for zeros involves:
Solving for zeros involves:
- Setting each factor of the polynomial equal to zero, i.e., \( x^2 + 1 = 0 \).
- Recognizing any complex solutions. Here, we get \( x^2 = -1 \), which gives solutions \( x = i \) and \( x = -i \), using \( i \) as the imaginary unit.
- In some cases, when factors have real roots, additional steps may be required to find real values of \( x \).
Multiplicity of Zeros
Multiplicity refers to the number of times a particular zero appears in a polynomial function. In mathematical terms, if a zero of a polynomial corresponds to the factor \((x - a)^n\), then that zero "a" has a multiplicity of \( n \).
Let's apply this concept:
Let's apply this concept:
- In our exercise, after factoring, we have \((x^2 + 1)^2\), indicating that the zeros \( x = i \) and \( x = -i \) each appear twice, hence a multiplicity of 2.
- Zeros with a higher multiplicity affect the shape of the polynomial's graph. For instance, zeros with even multiplicity typically touch the x-axis and turn around, whereas zeros with odd multiplicity will cross the axis.
- Identifying multiplicity can give insights into the symmetry and extremity in the polynomial's behavior.