College Algebra (6th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32178-228-3
ISBN 13: 978-0-32178-228-1

Chapter 3 - Polynomial and Rational Functions - Exercise Set 3.4 - Page 389: 85

Answer

Makes sense.

Work Step by Step

see Properties of Roots of Polynomial Equations (page 382) 1. If a polynomial equation is of degree $n$, then counting multiple roots separately, the equation has $n$ roots. 2. If $a+bi$ is a root of a polynomial equation with real coefficients $(b\neq 0)$, then the imaginary number $a-bi$ is also a root. Imaginary roots, if they exist, occur in conjugate pairs. ------------------------ (zeros of f )= (roots of f(x)=0 ) The degree of the polynomial equation is 4. So, there are 4 complex roots (some, all, or none are real) You found $3+\sqrt{5}$ to be a zero. Then, $3-\sqrt{5}$ is also a zero. (we have two so far) You also found $1$ to be a zero. (we have three so far, only one to go...) The last zero CAN NOT be a complex nonreal number, say $3+\sqrt{2}$, because it follows that $3-\sqrt{2}$ must also be a zero. But that would make a total of 5 roots, in an equation of degree n=4, which can not be. So, $3+\sqrt{2}$ (or any other nonreal complex number) can not be a zero of f, Verdict: makes sense.
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