Factoring equation with real coefficients

[Nathew]

Homework Statement

Find the roots of z^4+4=0 and use that to factor the expression into quadratic factors with real coefficients.

Homework Equations

DeMoivre's formula.

The Attempt at a Solution

I have been able to identify they are \pm 1 \pm i but i have no idea how to factor the expression.
Thanks!

 

[Dick]

Homework Statement

Find the roots of z^4+4=0 and use that to factor the expression into quadratic factors with real coefficients.

Homework Equations

DeMoivre's formula.

The Attempt at a Solution

I have been able to identify they are \pm 1 \pm i but i have no idea how to factor the expression.
Thanks!

No, they aren't. None of those are roots. Try them. Use deMoivre!

 

[Nathew]

No, they aren't. None of those are roots. Try them. Use deMoivre!

(1+i)^4+4=0
(-1+i)^4+4=0
(1-i)^4+4=0
(-1-i)^4+4=0

Not sure what you're talking about.

 

[SammyS]

Homework Statement

Find the roots of z^4+4=0 and use that to factor the expression into quadratic factors with real coefficients.

It is possible to do this in the reverse order. That is:

1. Factor $\ z^4+4\$ into quadratic factors with real coefficients.
then
2. find the roots of $\ z^4+4=0\ .\$​

That's not following the instructions, but it may give some insight.

Suppose $\ z^4+4=(z^2+az+2)(z^2+bz+2)\$.
Expand the right hand side & equate coefficients.

 

[Dick]

(1+i)^4+4=0
(-1+i)^4+4=0
(1-i)^4+4=0
(-1-i)^4+4=0

Not sure what you're talking about.

Sorry! I read your post as saying the roots were $\pm 1$ and $\pm i$. If $r_1$ and $r_2$ are roots then $(z-r_1)(z-r_2)$ is a factor of your polynomial. Try multiplying that out when $r_1$ and $r_2$ are complex conjugates.

 

[HallsofIvy]

Homework Statement

Find the roots of z^4+4=0 and use that to factor the expression into quadratic factors with real coefficients.

Homework Equations

DeMoivre's formula.

The Attempt at a Solution

I have been able to identify they are \pm 1 \pm i but i have no idea how to factor the expression.
Thanks!

Yes, 1+ i, 1- i, -1- i, and -1+ i are roots so the we can write z^4+ 4= (z- (1+ i))(z- (1- i))(z- (-1+ i)(z- (-1- i))= (z- 1- i)(z- 1+ i)(z+ 1- i)(z+ 1+ i)
Write (z- 1- i)(z- 1+ i)= ((z- 1)- i)((z- 1)+ i) and (z+ 1- i)(z+ 1+ i)= ((z+ 1)- i)((z+ 1)+ i). Now use the fact that (a- b)(a+ b)= a^2- b^2.

 

[Nathew]

Yes, 1+ i, 1- i, -1- i, and -1+ i are roots so the we can write z^4+ 4= (z- (1+ i))(z- (1- i))(z- (-1+ i)(z- (-1- i))= (z- 1- i)(z- 1+ i)(z+ 1- i)(z+ 1+ i)
Write (z- 1- i)(z- 1+ i)= ((z- 1)- i)((z- 1)+ i) and (z+ 1- i)(z+ 1+ i)= ((z+ 1)- i)((z+ 1)+ i). Now use the fact that (a- b)(a+ b)= a^2- b^2.

Thanks a lot this worked great!

 

[SammyS]

Thanks a lot this worked great!

What did you get for the quadratic factors?

 

[Nathew]

What did you get for the quadratic factors?

(z^2-2z+2)(z^2+2z+2)