Precalculus: Concepts Through Functions, A Unit Circle Approach to Trigonometry (3rd Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32193-104-1
ISBN 13: 978-0-32193-104-7

Chapter 3 - Polynomial and Rational Functions - Section 3.3 Complex Zeros; Fundamental Theorem of Algebra - 3.3 Assess Your Understanding - Page 231: 24

Answer

$-3$ and $5i$

Work Step by Step

The Conjugate Pairs Theorem states that when a polynomial has real coefficients, then any complex zeros occur in conjugate pairs. This means that, when $(p +i \ q)$ is a zero of a polynomial function with a real number of the coefficients, then its conjugate $(p –i q)$, is also a zero of the function. Since we are told that $-5i$ is one zero, the other zero must be $5i$ (the conjugate of $−5i$). The third zero must be a real number that can be computed by factoring the polynomial: $f(x) = x^3+3x^2+25x-+75 \\ = (x^3+3x^2)+(25x+75) \\= (x+3)(x^2+25)$ By the zero product property, we have: $x=-3$ and $x^2=-25$. Thus, the real zero of the function is $-3$. This implies that the remaining zeros are: $-3$ and $5i$
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.