Proof that if a polynomial has a complex zero it's conjugate is also a zero

[mindauggas]

Homework Statement

If P(x) is a polynomial with real coefficients, then if z is a complex zero of P(x), then the complex conjugate \bar{z} is also a zero of P(x).

Homework Equations

Book provides a hint: assume that z is a zero for P(x)=a_{n}x^{n}+a_{n-1}x^{n-1}+...+a_{1}x+a_{0} and use the fact that \bar{z}=z if z is real (since every real can be written as a complex number with a zero imaginary part) and that \overline{z+w}=\bar{z}+\bar{w} and \overline{z*w}=\bar{z}*\bar{w} for all complex numbers.

The Attempt at a Solution

Well, it is proven for any real since the complex conjugate of a real number is that same number.

I'm lost from here.

 

[Curious3141]

Homework Statement

If P(x) is a polynomial with real coefficients, then if z is a complex zero of P(x), then the complex conjugate \bar{z} is also a zero of P(x).

Homework Equations

Book provides a hint: assume that z is a zero for P(x)=a_{n}x^{n}+a_{n-1}x^{n-1}+...+a_{1}x+a_{0} and use the fact that \bar{z}=z if z is real (since every real can be written as a complex number with a zero imaginary part) and that \overline{z+w}=\bar{z}+\bar{w} and \overline{z*w}=\bar{z}*\bar{w} for all complex numbers.

The Attempt at a Solution

Well, it is proven for any real since the complex conjugate of a real number is that same number.

I'm lost from here.

Well, if z is a zero of P(x), then a_{n}z^{n}+a_{n-1}z^{n-1}+...+a_{1}z+a_{0} = 0.

Now take the conjugate of both sides.

For the LHS, use the rules they mentioned to systematically simplify the expression till you get it to: a_{n}{\bar{z}}^{n}+a_{n-1}{\bar{z}}^{n-1}+...+a_{1}{\bar{z}}+a_{0}. You'll need to apply \overline{z+w}=\bar{z}+\bar{w} first on the entire polynomial, followed by \overline{z*w}=\bar{z}*\bar{w} on each term and finally, "\bar{z}=z if z is real" on the real coefficients.

For the RHS, the conjugate of 0 is of course 0.

You've now established P(\bar{z}) = 0 and you're done.

 

[mindauggas]

I deleted a question that was here since I misunderstood the post.