125k views
23 votes
Identify the simplest polynomial function having integer coefficients with the given zeros:

3i, −1, 2

MUST SHOW WORK

1 Answer

7 votes

9514 1404 393

Answer:

f(x) = x^4 -x^3 +7x^2 -9x -18

Explanation:

The imaginary root has a corresponding conjugate that is also a root. Each root has a corresponding factor: (x -p) for root p.

f(x) = (x -3i)(x +3i)(x -(-1))(x -2)

f(x) = (x^2 +9)(x^2 -x -2) . . . . combine pairs of factors

f(x) = x^4 -x^3 +7x^2 -9x -18 . . . . finish multiplying it out

__

We have made use of the products of binomials:

(x +a)(x +b) = x^2 +(a+b)x +ab

(x +a)(x -a) = x^2 -a^2

User Shaunsantacruz
by
8.3k 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