College Algebra 7th Edition

Published by Brooks Cole
ISBN 10: 1305115546
ISBN 13: 978-1-30511-554-5

Chapter 3, Polynomial and Rational Functions - Section 3.5 - Complex Zeros and the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra - 3.5 Exercises - Page 330: 57

Answer

$x\in\{-2i, -\sqrt 3i, \sqrt 3i, 2i, 1\}$

Work Step by Step

$P(x)=x^5-x^4+7x^3-7x^2+12x-12$, Factor the polynomial: $x^4(x-1)+7x^2(x-1)+12(x-1)=(x-1)(x^4+7x^2+12)$. Solve for the trinomial: Let $x^2=k$. $x^4+7x^2+12=k^2+7k+12$ To solve for the quadratic $k^2+7k+12$, factor out in a way such that we find two factors of $12$ whose sum is $7$: ($+3$ and $+4$). $k^2+7k+12=k^2+3k+4k+12=k(k+3)+4(k+3)=(k+3)(k+4)$, Since $k=x^2$, $(x^2+3)(x^2+4)=0$. $x=\pm2i$, $x=\pm \sqrt 3i$ $x \in \{-2i, -\sqrt 3i, \sqrt 3i, 2i, 1\}$
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