SOLUTION: Write a polynomial function with rational coeffecients so that P(x)=0 has the given roots. i and 5i

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: Write a polynomial function with rational coeffecients so that P(x)=0 has the given roots. i and 5i      Log On


   



Question 390322: Write a polynomial function with rational coeffecients so that P(x)=0 has the given roots.
i and 5i

Answer by richard1234(7193) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
By Vieta's formulas, the sum of the roots is real, so the sum of the other roots must be C - 6i for real C. There are actually infinitely many polynomials satisfying this.

We know the polynomial must be in the form

P%28x%29+=+%28x-i%29%28x-5i%29Q%28x%29 where Q(x) is a polynomial with complex coefficients. If we let two roots of Q(x) be -5i and -i, then the polynomial will have real coefficients. Therefore we can let Q%28x%29+=+%28x%2Bi%29%28x%2B5i%29R%28x%29 where R(x) has real coefficients.

where R(x) is a polynomial with real coefficients. I'm sure many other solutions exist, but the problem only asks for one polynomial.