Simpify Factored Form Equation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around simplifying the function f(x) = (x - (1+i))(x - (1-i)) and verifying its equivalence to the standard form f(x) = x^2 - 2x + 2. Participants explore the transition between factored and standard forms, including the use of the quadratic formula and complex numbers.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that f(x) = (x - (1+i))(x - (1-i)) is equivalent to f(x) = x^2 - 2x + 2, using the quadratic formula to find roots.
  • One participant expresses confusion about the simplification process from x^2 - x + ix - x - ix + 1 - i^2 to x^2 - 2x + 2, seeking clarification on the steps involved.
  • Another participant provides a breakdown of the simplification, noting that i^2 = -1 and demonstrating how the terms combine to yield the standard form.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the equivalence of the two forms of the function, but there is some disagreement regarding the clarity of the simplification process, with one participant seeking further elaboration.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved aspects regarding the participant's understanding of complex numbers and the simplification steps, particularly in the context of substituting i^2 for -1.

kato1
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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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