60.0k views
5 votes
Suppose a polynomial function of degree 4 with rational coefficients has the given numbers as zeros. Find the other zeros.

-3, √3, 13/3
The other zeros are
(Use a comma to separate answers.)

1 Answer

4 votes

Answer:

{-3, √3, -√3, 13/3}

Explanation:

Since the polynomial has rational coefficients, any irrational zeros must come in conjugate pairs. So, if √3 is a zero, then so is its conjugate, -√3.

We can write the polynomial with these zeros as:

p(x) = a(x + 3)(x - √3)(x + √3)(x - 13/3)

where a is some constant coefficient. Multiplying out the factors, we get:

p(x) = a(x + 3)(x^2 - 3)(x - 13/3)

To find the remaining zeros, we need to solve for x in the expression p(x) = 0. So we set up the equation:

a(x + 3)(x^2 - 3)(x - 13/3) = 0

This equation is true when any of the factors is equal to zero. We already know three of the zeros, so we need to solve for the fourth:

(x + 3)(x^2 - 3)(x - 13/3) = 0

Expanding the quadratic factor, we get:

(x + 3)(x - √3)(x + √3)(x - 13/3) = 0

Canceling out the (x - √3) and (x + √3) factors, we get:

(x + 3)(x - 13/3) = 0

Solving for x, we get:

x = -3 or x = 13/3

Therefore, the other zeros are -3 and 13/3.

The complete set of zeros is {-3, √3, -√3, 13/3}.

Hope it helps^^

User Bruce Long
by
7.8k points

No related questions found

Welcome to QAmmunity.org, where you can ask questions and receive answers from other members of our community.

9.4m questions

12.2m answers

Categories