MHB How Does Solving P(x) Influence Q(x^2)?

  • Thread starter Thread starter anemone
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
The discussion centers on demonstrating the relationship between the polynomial equations P(x) and Q(x). Specifically, if P(r) equals zero, it must follow that Q(r^2) also equals zero. Members kaliprasad and lfdahl successfully provided correct solutions to this problem. The mathematical proof involves substituting the roots of P into Q and simplifying the expressions. This illustrates a significant connection between the roots of the two polynomials.
anemone
Gold Member
MHB
POTW Director
Messages
3,851
Reaction score
115
Here is this week's POTW:

-----

Let $P(x)=x^3-2x+1$ and $Q(x)=x^3-4x^2+4x-1$. Show that if $P(r)=0$, then $Q(r^2)=0$.

-----

 
Physics news on Phys.org
Congratulations to the following members for their correct solution!(Cool)

1. kaliprasad
2. lfdahl

Solution from lfdahl:
Given $P(r) = r^3-2r+1 = 0$:

\[0 = [P(r)]^2 = \left [ r^3-2r+1 \right ]^2 \\\\ = r^6-4r^4+2r^3+4r^2-4r+1 \\\\ = \underbrace{r^6 - 4r^4 + 4r^2-1}_{= Q(r^2)} +\underbrace{2r^3-4r + 2}_{= 2P(r)} = Q(r^2)\;\;\;\; q.e.d.\]
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K