Is x = -i a Solution for This Complex Equation?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the question of whether x = -i is a solution to a specific complex polynomial equation. Participants explore the properties of complex numbers, polynomial division, and the implications of having non-real coefficients in the equation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the rules for complex numbers and suggests that x = -i might be a solution based on the assumption of conjugate pairs.
  • Another participant points out that the polynomial does not have real coefficients, which affects the applicability of the conjugate rule.
  • A different participant advises against relying solely on memory for rules and suggests using polynomial division to find the roots of the equation.
  • A later reply indicates that polynomial long division was attempted but was halted due to confusion about the conjugate rule, leading to a reevaluation of the approach.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether x = -i is a solution. There is disagreement regarding the applicability of the conjugate rule due to the polynomial's coefficients, and multiple approaches to finding the roots are discussed.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in understanding the rules for complex numbers and the specific conditions under which certain mathematical principles apply, particularly regarding polynomial division and the nature of the coefficients.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students or individuals interested in complex numbers, polynomial equations, and the nuances of mathematical rules in the context of non-real coefficients.

Yura
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im not sure i can fully remember the rules for complex numbers but i have to solve an equation that has 3 solutions to equal zero. so far i have (x=2), (x=i) and i think there was a + rule for a solution with complex numbers that there would always be a conjugate solution of it. so i figured that the last solution would be (x=-i) but when i try and solve it i keep getting different answers and they are all non zero.

i think i may be doing something wrong with the powers of the (-i) or it might be that i thought wrong and (x=-i) is not a solution.

could someone please confirm ths for me?

here is the equation:
x^3 - (2-i)*x^2 + (2-2*i)*x - 4 = 0

im trying to solve for:
(-i)^3 - (2-i)*(-i)^2 + (2-2*i)*(-i) - 4 = 0

thanks in advance ^^
 
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No,it doesn't have real coefficients.

Dividing the polynomial

[tex]x^{3}-(2-i)x^{2}+(2-2i)x-4[/tex] by [tex](x-2)[/tex]

u get the polynomial [tex]x^{2}+ix+2[/tex] which has the solutions [tex]x_{1}=i[/tex] and [tex]x_{2}=-2i[/tex] .


Daniel.
 
You really shouldn't try to merely remember rules, you should understand them in the first place!
You cannot use the "conjugate rule" here (when does that one apply?)

To give you a hint:
Use polynomial division to determine the last root.

EDIT:
Daniel is a real polynomial divisionist, a rather complex person, actually.
He doesn't need reminders in order to find remainders..
 
Last edited:
ah ok thankyou ( i had actually tried polynomial long division first but half way through i remembered my one of my teachers saying something about a conjugate rule for it so i stopped and tried that first) now that i try the division i find it works out fine, so i'll have to look up that rule and see if it works or not

thanks again
 
Last edited:

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