SOLUTION: 4 - i is a solution of a quadratic equation with real coefficients.Find the other solution. How is this one done?

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Question 1207475: 4 - i is a solution of a quadratic equation with real coefficients.Find the other solution.

How is this one done?

Found 3 solutions by josgarithmetic, ikleyn, math_tutor2020:
Answer by josgarithmetic(39617)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
See the other partly solved example.
Answer by ikleyn(52787)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
.

The general theorem of algebra states that if a polynomial with real coefficients
has a complex number root  a+bi,  b=/= 0,  then it has another complex number root  a-bi,  too.

According to this theorem,  if  4-i  is the root of your quadratic equation with real coefficients,
then it has the root  4+i,  too.   It is your other root.



Answer by math_tutor2020(3817)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!

Answer: 4+i

Quick explanation: If a+bi is one root, then its paired counterpart (known as the complex conjugate) would be a-bi
This applies only when all of the coefficients are real numbers.

Another example: The root 2+i pairs up with 2-i

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Let's say you didn't know about the complex conjugate, or that you might be curious about an alternative pathway.


We can isolate the "i" term and square both sides to generate a quadratic from it.














Now let's apply the quadratic formula










or

or
We arrive at roots 4+i and 4-i to help confirm the answer.

This is a somewhat long-winded pathway to basically rephrase what I mentioned at the top.
If a+bi is one root, then a-bi is also included in the mix.
This only applies when all coefficients are real numbers.

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