Simpify Factored Form Equation

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SUMMARY

The function f(x) = (x - (1+i))(x - (1-i)) is equivalent to its standard form f(x) = x² - 2x + 2. This equivalence is confirmed through the quadratic formula, which yields roots at x = 1 ± i. The expansion of the factored form verifies the standard form, demonstrating that both representations describe the same quadratic function. The simplification process involves recognizing that i² = -1, which is crucial for arriving at the final standard form.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of complex numbers, specifically the imaginary unit i.
  • Familiarity with the quadratic formula for finding roots of quadratic equations.
  • Ability to expand and simplify polynomial expressions.
  • Knowledge of the relationship between factored and standard forms of quadratic functions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of complex numbers and their operations.
  • Learn how to apply the quadratic formula in various contexts.
  • Practice expanding and simplifying polynomial expressions to reinforce understanding.
  • Explore the relationship between factored forms and standard forms of polynomials in greater depth.
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Students studying algebra, mathematics educators, and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of quadratic functions and complex numbers.

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Simplify the function f(x)= (x-(1+i))(x-(1-i)) .

Is the function you wrote in factored form [ f(x)= (x-(1+i))(x-(1-i)) ] , the same as the original function in
standard form [ f(x) = x^2 - 2x +2) ] ?
 
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Hello and welcome to MHB! (Wave)

We typically like for our users to post their work so we can see where you are stuck and what you've tried. That being said, let's examine the function:

$$f(x)=x^2-2x+2$$

By the quadratic formula, we obtain the roots:

$$x=\frac{-(-2)\pm\sqrt{(-2)^2-4(1)(2)}}{2(1)}=\frac{2\pm\sqrt{-4}}{2}=1\pm i$$

Therefore, we know:

$$f(x)=x^2-2x+2=(x-(1+i))(x-(1-i))$$

Now, if we simply wish to verify this, we may take the factored form and expand it as follows:

$$(x-(1+i))(x-(1-i))=x^2-x(1-i)-x(1+i)+(1+i)(1-i)=$$

$$x^2-x+ix-x-ix+1-i^2=x^2-2x+2\quad\checkmark$$
 
MarkFL said:
Hello and welcome to MHB! (Wave)

We typically like for our users to post their work so we can see where you are stuck and what you've tried. That being said, let's examine the function:

$$f(x)=x^2-2x+2$$

By the quadratic formula, we obtain the roots:

$$x=\frac{-(-2)\pm\sqrt{(-2)^2-4(1)(2)}}{2(1)}=\frac{2\pm\sqrt{-4}}{2}=1\pm i$$

Therefore, we know:

$$f(x)=x^2-2x+2=(x-(1+i))(x-(1-i))$$

Now, if we simply wish to verify this, we may take the factored form and expand it as follows:

$$(x-(1+i))(x-(1-i))=x^2-x(1-i)-x(1+i)+(1+i)(1-i)=$$

$$x^2-x+ix-x-ix+1-i^2=x^2-2x+2\quad\checkmark$$

Hello. I'm confused as to how you get from x^2-x+ix-x-ix+1-i^2 to x^2-2x+2 . Can you please elaborate?
So far I've tried simplfying up to:
=x^2-x+ix-x-ix+1-i^2
= x^2-(x-x)+(ix-ix)+(1- √ ̅-1 )
= ?

Note: I substituted i^2 for √ ̅-1 .
Is (1- √ ̅-1 ) =2 ? And how? Thank you again.
 
Note that:

$$i\equiv\sqrt{-1}\therefore i^2=-1$$

And so:

$$x^2-x+ix-x-ix+1-i^2=x^2-x(1+1)+ix(1-1)+1-(-1)=x^2=x^2-2x+2$$
 

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