How Do You Simplify the Equation of a Quartic Function with Given Zeroes?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around simplifying the equation of a quartic function given specific zeroes, including a repeated root and two irrational roots. Participants are exploring the algebraic manipulation required to expand and simplify the expression derived from these roots.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the correct formulation of the polynomial based on the provided roots and express uncertainty about the expansion process. There are attempts to clarify the use of the FOIL method and the significance of negative signs in the factors.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with various interpretations of the polynomial's factors being explored. Some participants provide guidance on how to approach the expansion, while others question the reasoning behind certain steps. There is no explicit consensus on the correct method yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention that they have not learned certain techniques, indicating a potential gap in knowledge regarding polynomial expansion and factorization methods. This context may affect their ability to follow the discussion fully.

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Homework Statement



Determine the equation in simplied form for the family of quartic functions with zeroes of..

5 (order 2) and -1± 2√ 2



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



so.. (x-5)^2 (x-1+2√2) (x-1-2√2)

(x-5) (x-5) (x-1+2√2) (x-1-2√2)

Would be all of it expanded, but I don't know how to foil on this.. there's 2 terms on the left side brackets and 3 terms on the right side brackets.. (x) (-1) (2√2) , I know that X will become x^4, but i don't get how to continue using foil, can anyone explain?

We never learned this.. so.. i also know that the plusminus root is (x+1)^2 + 8 if simplified into that form..
 
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Nelo said:
so.. (x-5)^2 (x-1+2√2) (x-1-2√2)
This is wrong. It should be
(x - 5)^2 [x - (-1+2√2)][x - (-1-2√2)]
= (x - 5)(x - 5)[x + 1 - 2√2][x + 1 + 2√2]

Nelo said:
Would be all of it expanded, but I don't know how to foil on this..
FOIL the first two binomials, and then FOIL the last two binomials. In FOILing the last two binomials, it may be helpful to rewrite like this:
[x + 1 - 2√2][x + 1 + 2√2]
= [(x + 1) - 2√2][(x + 1) + 2√2]
.. and then use the sum+difference pattern (a - b)(a + b) = a2 - b2.

Then, multiply the two resulting trinomials (see http://www.purplemath.com/modules/polymult3.htm" if you don't know how).

Nelo said:
We never learned this.. so.. i also know that the plusminus root is (x+1)^2 + 8 if simplified into that form..
This is also wrong (probably because you were missing signs earlier. It should be
(x+1)^2 - 8.
 
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wat? explain... why are you distributing random negetives into those brackets
 
Nelo said:
wat? explain... why are you distributing random negetives into those brackets
Because if a is a root of a polynomial equation f(x) = 0, then
(x - a)
is a factor of that polynomial. So there is a negative outside the roots -1+ 2√ 2 and -1 - 2√ 2:
(x - 5)(x - 5)[x - (-1 + 2√ 2)][x - (-1 - 2√ 2)]
 
okay..? so you factor inwards...? like (x+1 -2√ 2) and (x+1 +2√ 2) ?
 
any1?
 
Nelo said:
okay..? so you factor inwards...? like (x+1 -2√ 2) and (x+1 +2√ 2) ?
What do you mean by "factor inwards" ?

Also, eumyang basically gave you the next step.
 
The simplest thing to do with complex conjugate terms is to use [itex](a- b)(a+ b)= a^2- b^2[/itex].

If [itex]-1+ 2\sqrt{2}[/itex] and [itex]-1- 2\sqrt{2}[/itex] then [itex](x- (-1+2\sqrt{2})[/itex] and [itex](x- (-1-2\sqrt{2}))[/itex] are factors.

[tex]((x- 1)- 2\sqrt{2})((x-1)+ 2\sqrt{2})= (x- 1)^2- (2\sqrt{2})^2= x^2- 2x+ 1- 8= x^2- 2x- 7[/tex].

It shouldn't be too difficult to multiply [itex](x^2- 10x+ 5)(x^2- 2x- 7)[/itex]
 

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