Roots of a nth degree polynomial

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra, which asserts that every nth degree polynomial has at least one root in the complex numbers and a maximum of n roots, counting multiplicities. Participants highlight that while polynomials with real coefficients may not have real roots, they always possess n roots in the complex domain. Various proofs exist, with one simpler proof available on Wikipedia, although some proofs are noted to be complex and lengthy. The conversation also touches on the nuances of roots in different number systems, such as p-adic numbers.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of polynomial equations and their degrees
  • Familiarity with complex numbers and their properties
  • Basic knowledge of algebraic concepts and factorization
  • Awareness of the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the proofs of the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra on Wikipedia
  • Explore the implications of polynomial roots in complex analysis
  • Learn about the concept of multiplicity in polynomial roots
  • Investigate the properties of p-adic numbers and their relation to polynomial roots
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, students studying algebra, educators teaching polynomial theory, and anyone interested in the properties of polynomial equations and their roots.

ajayguhan
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why does a nth degree polynomial has atleast one root and a maximum of n root...?

In my book it's given, it's the fundamental theorem of algebra.


Is there a proof...?





Thank's for help. (In advance)
 
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Roots over what? A polynomial with real coefficients does not necessarily have any real roots, though it does have n roots over the complex numbers. The wikipedia article on "The fundamental theorem of algebra" contains several proofs.
 
It's not specified, i guess it over real number. I saw wikipedia but the proof are difficult .
 
Sadly, many proofs are difficult. Some are even book length.
 
The "fundamental theorem of algebra" is normally stated as "every polynomial equation has at least one root in the complex numbers." Since a root, a, implies "z- a" is a factor, we can reduce to another equation of degree n-1, which has a root, then to a polynomial of degree n-2, which has a root, etc. until we are reduce to a linear polynomial. What we might call "the extended fundamental of algebra" says that any nthe degree polynomial has n roots where we are counting "multiple roots". That is, z^3- 3z^2+ 3z- 1= 0, (z- 1)^3= 0 has three roots, all of them equal to "1".

Yes, there are a number of proofs. Two distinctly different proofs, one using very basic properties of algebra and fairly lengthy, the other much more sophisticated and shorter.

The simpler, but longer, proof can be found on Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fundamental_theorem_of_algebra
which I found by googling "fundamental theorem of algebra".
 
HallsofIvy said:
The "fundamental theorem of algebra" is normally stated as "every polynomial equation has at least one root in the complex numbers."

Unless your coefficients are [strike]p-adics[/strike] :-p

Edit: Well technically ##C_p## is isomorphic to ##\mathbb{C}## but only through AoC.
 
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