Why Is Pre-Calculus Challenging for Some Students?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the challenges faced by students in solving pre-calculus problems, specifically focusing on two equations: z4 = 16i and 2z3 - 3z2 + 2z - 3 = 0. Participants emphasize the importance of understanding complex numbers and suggest using DeMoivre's theorem for the first problem. Additionally, they recommend factoring techniques for the second equation, highlighting the extraction of common terms as a crucial step in the solution process.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of complex numbers and their properties
  • Familiarity with DeMoivre's theorem
  • Basic factoring techniques in polynomial equations
  • Knowledge of polar form representation of complex numbers
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of DeMoivre's theorem in solving complex equations
  • Learn how to convert complex numbers into polar form
  • Practice factoring polynomials, focusing on common term extraction
  • Explore advanced techniques for solving cubic equations
USEFUL FOR

Students struggling with pre-calculus concepts, particularly those dealing with complex numbers and polynomial equations, as well as educators seeking to provide targeted assistance in these areas.

jubej
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hello! I am a studen from sweden and i having some troble solves this kind of problems. i have tried but the book its really bad to expleain. and i really have to know this for the coming exan, so if anyone could help me i really be so happy :)

here are some stuff i have hard time solving:

1) z^4=16i
2) 2z³ - 3z² + 2z -3 = 0


thnx again for any help
 
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jubej said:
hello! I am a studen from sweden and i having some troble solves this kind of problems. i have tried but the book its really bad to expleain. and i really have to know this for the coming exan, so if anyone could help me i really be so happy :)

here are some stuff i have hard time solving:

1) z^4=16i
2) 2z³ - 3z² + 2z -3 = 0


thnx again for any help
are those 2 separate problems or do i solve for 1 and apply it to 2?

1 - clarify question or how do you get an imaginary number?

\sqrt{-X}=\sqrt{X}i

2 - factor out a common term, hint z^2
 
there are 2 separate problems.

the first one its so hard i don't where to start. or how to solve it

and the second one ill start to factor out term z² and see what happens thnx.
 
i can't factor out 2² in 2)

because : 2z³ - 3z² + 2z -3 = 0 has 2z so its not and z² type.
what to do?
 
not 2^2 but z^2, you eventually get

z^{2}(2z-3)+(2z-3)=0

what would your next step be?
 
that would be maybe

z² = - (2z - 3)/(2z - 3)
z² = -1

its that right?
 
z^{2}(2z-3)+(2z-3)=0

there is an implied one infront of the 2nd parenthesis

so

z^{2}(2z-3)+1(2z-3)=0

pull out a common term of 2z-3

(z^{2}+1)(2z-3)=0

yes?
 
Do you know how to put a complex number in "polar form"?

Do you know DeMoivre's theorem? Those are necessary for problem 1.
 

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