Rational Coefficients & Non-Rational Roots: A Puzzling Cubic Polynomial

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SUMMARY

Not all cubic polynomials with rational coefficients can be factored using the Rational Root Theorem, particularly when they possess irrational or imaginary roots. A specific example discussed is the polynomial 8x^3 - 6x - 1 = 0, which has three real roots: cos(π/9) and (1/2)(-cos(π/9) ± sqrt(3)sin(π/9). This polynomial demonstrates that it is possible to have a cubic polynomial with rational coefficients that cannot be expressed with rational roots. The discussion emphasizes the complexity of cubic polynomials of odd degrees and their behavior under rational coefficients.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of cubic polynomials and their properties
  • Familiarity with the Rational Root Theorem
  • Knowledge of complex numbers and irrational roots
  • Basic algebraic manipulation and polynomial expansion
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of the Rational Root Theorem on polynomial factorization
  • Explore examples of cubic polynomials with irrational roots
  • Learn about the nature of roots in polynomials of odd degrees
  • Investigate advanced topics in algebra, such as Galois theory and its relation to polynomial roots
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Mathematicians, algebra students, and educators interested in polynomial theory, particularly those exploring the relationships between coefficients and roots in cubic polynomials.

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Homework Statement


Not so much a homework problem, but a problem that is annoying me because of its simplicity.

Not all cubic polynomials with rational coefficients can be factorized by the rational root theorem (or is this false?). What I am finding hard to comprehend is how a cubic with only irrational or imaginary roots can have all rational coefficients.
What I'm looking for is an example or two illustrating a completely factorized cubic with non-rational roots that, if expanded, has all rational coefficients.

The Attempt at a Solution


In an attempt to figure out how it can be done myself I have realized that it is impossible to have one quadratic factor (rational coefficients) that does not have rational roots and the last factor still satisfying this.

e.g. (x^2+a)(x+b) given a>0, the quadratic factor will have imaginary coefficients and of course b will need to be irrational or imaginary, but then if we expand this, the constant will be ab which - if a is rational - will not satisfy the criteria, or if a is such a number that ab becomes rational then we will end up breaking the criteria again since the coefficients of x and x^2 will be b and a respectively (which we've already shown have to both be non-rational).

I've tried a few others, but I'm sure you get the point :smile:

And of course this problem of mine applies to all polynomials of odd degrees.

EDIT: Oh and please exclude the obvious (for me anyway) cases of x^3+a=0 where a is rational and a^{1/3} is not rational.
 
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I'm not sure why you are excluding x^3+a=0, but ok, this particular example came up in a problem earlier. 8x^3-6x-1=0 has three real roots. None of them are rational. By the rational roots test. The roots are cos(pi/9), and (1/2)*(-cos(pi/9)+/-sqrt(3)*sin(pi/9)). Kind of complicated, but what did you expect? I still like x^3-2=0 much better.
 
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I excluded that obvious type because I know there were more cases where the coefficients of x and x2 weren't zero, and that one is really simple of course.
Thanks, I see where they are coming from now.
 

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