Question 1071605:  Find a polynomial function of least degree having only real coefficients, a leading coefficient of 1, and zeros of 4 and 1+I. 
 Answer by Edwin McCravy(20064)      (Show Source): 
You can  put this solution on YOUR website! Find a polynomial function of least degree having  
only real coefficients, a leading coefficient of 1,  
and zeros of 4 and 1+I. 
    x = 4           x = 1 + i           x = 1 - i
x - 4 = 0   x - 1 - i = 0       x - 1 + i = 0
Multiply the three left sides together:
 
    (x - 4)(x - 1 - i)(x - 1 + i)
and set that product equal to the product of the
three right sides (0)(0)(0)=0 
    (x - 4)(x - 1 - i)(x - 1 + i) = 0
(x - 4)[(x - 1) - i][(x - 1) + i] = 0
           (x - 4)[(x - 1)² - i²] = 0
         (x - 4)[(x - 1)² - (-1)] = 0
            (x - 4)[(x - 1)² + 1] = 0
         (x - 4)[x² - 2x + 1 + 1] = 0
             (x - 4)(x² - 2x + 2) = 0
     x³ - 2x² + 2x - 4x² + 8x - 8 = 0
               x³ - 6x² + 10x - 8 = 0
Edwin   
  | 
 
  
 
 |   
 
 |