Imaginary numbers entertwined with quadratics

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding a quadratic equation given a pair of complex roots, specifically 2i and -2i. Participants are exploring the relationship between roots and the standard form of a quadratic equation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are considering how to reverse-engineer the process of forming a quadratic equation from its roots. Some are attempting to apply the product of roots and the standard form of a quadratic equation.

Discussion Status

There are various interpretations of how to approach the problem. Some participants have offered guidance on using the roots to form the equation, while others express confusion about the implications of the complex numbers involved. The discussion is ongoing with attempts to clarify the steps needed to arrive at the quadratic equation.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of working with imaginary numbers and their representation in quadratic equations. There is a note about the potential need to move the thread to a different forum for better context.

runicle
Messages
75
Reaction score
0
Hi, I'm not sure if this is calculas based or algebra based so here's the question.

For each pair of roots find a quadratic equation. Express your equation in the form of ax^2+bx+c=0
(
(A) 2i, -2i

For this question i don't know what is being asked so i guess the pairs could be x...
I know this:
ax^2+bx+c, a(x-h)^2+k and a(x-s)(x-t)
So the problem is how can i use the things that i know to answer the question. If you can please use analogies and don't give me the answer i just need to know what to do.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Think about the process you go through to solve a quadratic and apply it in reverse. Take note of the complex numbers though.

-Hoot:smile:

Note to mentors/admin suggest moving this thread to pre calc forum.
 
Im trying this... I just used (a+bi)(c+di)
-(a+bi)(c+di)=0
-ac+adi+bci+bdi^2=0
-from previous question 2i, -2i I represented a = 0... and so forth
-
 
Although i don't know what 2i represents... Is it x b c?
 
From what I can see the solution is pretty simple

[tex](x - (2i))(x - (-2i)) = 0[/tex]

or am I missing something?

Remember that [itex]i^2 = -1[/itex]

[EDIT] I've edited my post to change my stupid mistake
 
Last edited:
I doubt that hootenay... I'm thinking of x = -b -+ Square root of b^2-4ac over 2a equation and deriving it so that something will occur... I am confused...
 
Like hoot implied(I think slightly incorrectly), it's always true that if r1 and r2 are the two roots to a quadratic then the characteristic quadratic equation is (x-r1)(x-r2)=0. Then you just expand that to get it into the standard form.

The same argument can be extended to higher degree polynomial equations.
 
My davey jones's locker i think I've got It!
Correct me if I'm right
0=(x-(2x))(x-(-2x))
0=(x-2i)(x+2i)
0=(x^2+2ix-2ix-4i)
0=(x^2+4)
am i correct?
now if the pairs were 1+3i, 1-3i I would have sub the same way like
0=(x-(1+3i))(x-(1-3i))
0=(x-1+3i)(x+1-3i)
and solve from that correct?
 
Are you correct?

It is very easy to check your work. What are the roots of

[tex]x^2 + 4 =0[/tex] ?
 
  • #10
runicle said:
now if the pairs were 1+3i, 1-3i I would have sub the same way like
0=(x-(1+3i))(x-(1-3i))
0=(x-1+3i)(x+1-3i)
and solve from that correct?
You made a small mistake when going from the first line to the second line. Your second line should reads:
0 = (x - 1 - 3i) (x - 1 + 3i).
Now just expand all the terms out, simplify it, and it's all done.
Can you go from here? :)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
24
Views
3K