Algebra II-9 Section 8.

USEFUL
THEOREMS

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1. Every polynomial equation with complex coefficients
(including real numbers) and positive degree n
has exactly n roots.

ex: x + 3 = 0 degree 1 root: -3

x2 - 16= 0 degree 2
roots: 4, -4

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2. Conjugate Root Theorem

If a polynomial equation with real

coefficients has a + bi as a root
(b ≠ 0), then a - bi is also a root.

complex/imaginary
roots occur in pairs

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ex: x + 9 = 0
x2 = -9
x = ±3i

Roots are 3i and -3i.

If 2 - 3i is a root,
2 + 3i
then ___________ is also a root.

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3. A third-degree polynomial with real
3 roots.
coefficients has ____

List the possibilities for the nature

of the roots.

3 real

2 complex & 1 real

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A 5th degree polynomial with real
5
coefficients has ____ roots

List the possibilities for the nature

of the roots.
5 real
3 real & 2 complex
1 real & 4 complex

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4. Find a cubic equation with integral
coefficients that has the following
roots. -1, 3-i
(If 3 - i is a root, _____________ is also a root.)

Step 1: Write each root as x = root.

Step 2: Rearrange each equation to = 0.

Step 3: Write as one equation ( ) ( ) ( ) = 0

Step 4: Multiply 2 factors; then multiply again.

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5. Solve the equation
x4 + x3 + 6x2 - 14x - 20 = 0
if two roots are 2 and -1 + 3i.

(How many roots are there? )

(If -1 + 3i is a root, then ________

is also a root.)

Step 1: Write each root as x = root.

Step 2: Rearrange each equation to = 0.

Step 3: Write as one equation ( ) ( ) ( ) = 0

Step 4: Multiply 2 factors; then multiply again.

Step 5: Divide the original polynomial by the

known factor.

Step 6: Write the factors ( )( )( )( ) = 0

and list ALL the roots.

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Assignment: pg. 380
Written Ex. #1-4, 9-12

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