Finding a third degree polynomial... stumped

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    Degree Polynomial
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding a third degree polynomial with rational coefficients, given two of its zeros (6 and -i) and the requirement that it passes through the point (2, -10). Participants explore different approaches to construct the polynomial and verify its properties.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes the polynomial form \( f(x) = (x-6)(x^2+1) \) but finds it does not pass through (2, -10), instead yielding (2, -20).
  • Another participant suggests modifying the polynomial to \( f(x) = A(x-6)(x^2+1) \) and calculates \( A = 2 \), but this also fails to meet the condition.
  • A different participant claims that \( A \) should be \( \frac{1}{2} \) and provides a calculation to support this, asserting that this value allows the polynomial to pass through (2, -10).
  • There is a repeated concern that the polynomial does not seem to pass through (2, -10) even after adjustments are made.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correct value of the constant \( A \) needed for the polynomial to pass through the specified point. The discussion remains unresolved as multiple values for \( A \) are proposed, and there is no consensus on which is correct.

Contextual Notes

Participants rely on the assumption that the polynomial must have rational coefficients and that the zeros provided are sufficient to construct it. The calculations for \( A \) depend on the specific point through which the polynomial must pass, leading to different proposed values.

lashia
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Problem:

Find a third degree polynomial with rational coefficients if two of its zeros
are 6 and – 𝑖 and it passes through the point (2, -10)So far, I have came up with this:
(x-6)(x^2+1) however, instead of passing through (2,-10), it passes through (2,-20)

Anyone know how to come up with a third degree polynomial with 6,-i as its zeros, and passes through (2,-10)? It has given me a headache!

Thank you in advance.
 
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lashia said:
Problem:

Find a third degree polynomial with rational coefficients if two of its zeros
are 6 and – 𝑖 and it passes through the point (2, -10)So far, I have came up with this:
(x-6)(x^2+1) however, instead of passing through (2,-10), it passes through (2,-20)

Anyone know how to come up with a third degree polynomial with 6,-i as its zeros, and passes through (2,-10)? It has given me a headache!

Thank you in advance.

you have done right except a small modification that you need to yo do

$f(x) = A(x-6)(x^2+1)$ where A is a constant
putting the values you get A = 2

so $f(x) = 2(x-6)(x^2+1)$
 
Last edited:
Thank you so much.. what a relief!
 
kaliprasad said:
you have done right except a small modification that you need to yo do

$f(x) = A(x-6)(x^2+1)$ where A is a constant
putting the values you get A = 2

so $f(x) = 2(x-6)(x^2+1)$

It doesn't seem tp pass through (2,-10) :confused:
 
Hi lashia,

kaliprasad's value of $A$ should instead be $A = 1/2$. Check now to see that the polynomial passes through $(2,-10)$ with $A = 1/2$.
 
lashia said:
It doesn't seem tp pass through (2,-10) :confused:

Let's go back to:

$$f(x)=A(x-6)\left(x^2+1\right)$$

Now, we set:

$$f(2)=A(2-6)\left(2^2+1\right)=-20A=-10\implies A=\frac{1}{2}$$

And so we have:

$$f(x)=\frac{1}{2}(x-6)\left(x^2+1\right)$$ :D
 

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