Chapter 3: Problem 6
A polynomial \(P\) is given. (a) Find all zeros of \(P\), real and complex. (b) Factor \(P\) completely. $$P(x)=x^{5}+9 x^{3}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
Zeros: 0 (triple), 3i, -3i; Factored form: \(x^3(x - 3i)(x + 3i)\).
Step by step solution
01
Identify Common Factor
First, observe that the terms of the polynomial \(x^5 + 9x^3\) share a common factor. Factor out \(x^3\) from the polynomial: \[P(x) = x^3(x^2 + 9)\]
02
Solve for Real Zeros
To find the zeros of \(P(x)\), set each factor equal to zero. Start with solving \(x^3 = 0\). This gives us the real zeros:\[x^3 = 0 \Rightarrow x = 0\]
03
Solve for Complex Zeros
Next, solve for the zeros of the quadratic factor: \(x^2 + 9 = 0\). Subtract 9 from both sides:\[x^2 = -9\]Take the square root of both sides to find the complex zeros:\[x = \pm 3i\]
04
List All Zeros
Having derived the solutions from Steps 2 and 3, list all zeros of the polynomial:\(x = 0\) (repeated three times), \(x = 3i\), and \(x = -3i\).
05
Factor the Polynomial Completely
Use the zeros to write the polynomial as a product of its factors:\[P(x) = x^3(x - 3i)(x + 3i)\]This expresses the polynomial completely factored over the complex numbers.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Real and Complex Zeros
When dealing with polynomials, finding zeros is a crucial step. Zeros of a polynomial, also called roots, are the values for which the polynomial evaluates to zero. In this exercise, we dealt with the polynomial \( P(x) = x^5 + 9x^3 \). Zeros can be either real or complex, and understanding these is fundamental in algebra.
- Real Zeros: Real zeros are the solutions to the polynomial equation that are real numbers. They graphically represent the points where the polynomial curve intersects the x-axis.
- Complex Zeros: These are zeros that include imaginary numbers, involving the imaginary unit \( i \) where \( i^2 = -1 \). They do not appear on the real plane in a graph but are vital in expressing polynomials in their simplest form.
Polynomial Roots
Understanding polynomial roots is the key to solving polynomial equations. In essence, roots are the x-values that make the whole polynomial equal zero. For any given polynomial of degree \( n \), there are at most \( n \) roots. This includes both real and complex zeros.
- Multiplicity of Roots: A root that occurs more than once in the solution set has a multiplicity greater than one. In our problem, \( x = 0 \) is a root of multiplicity three, meaning it appears three times.
- Graphical Representation: Roots influence how the graph behaves. For example, a root with odd multiplicity will cross the x-axis, whereas a root with even multiplicity will touch the x-axis and bounce back.
Factorization Techniques
Polynomials can be factored into simpler components that are easier to work with. Factorization converts a polynomial into a product of its factors, which could either be numbers, variables, or both.
- Common Factor Extraction: Always check for common factors in the terms of a polynomial. In \( P(x) = x^5 + 9x^3 \), \( x^3 \) is the common factor extracted first, simplifying the expression to \( x^3(x^2 + 9) \).
- Solving Quadratics: Once simplified, solving remaining simple quadratics or binomials can give further zeros. For example, \( x^2 + 9 \) was solved next to find complex zeros.
- Complete Factorization: By using all derived factors and zeros, the polynomial can be completely factored. This enables us to write \( P(x) \) as \( x^3(x - 3i)(x + 3i) \), fully expressing the polynomial.