Solution to polynomial of unknown degree

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the possibility of solving a polynomial of the form y = Ax^a + Bx^b, where a and b may represent real or natural numbers. Participants explore the conditions under which the variable x can be isolated or the zeroes of the polynomial can be found, touching on various mathematical approaches and theories.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether it is possible to isolate the variable x in the equation f(x) = ax^{\alpha} + bx^{\beta>.
  • Others suggest that if both exponents are less than 5, it may be possible, and if they are both less than 3, it simplifies to a quadratic equation, which can be solved using the quadratic formula.
  • One participant proposes a method for factoring the polynomial when α > β, introducing the concept of a primitive root of unity.
  • Another participant emphasizes that the simplicity of the question does not guarantee a simple solution, referencing Fermat's Last Theorem as an example.
  • There is a clarification that the original inquiry is about finding the inverse function f^{-1}(x) rather than factoring the polynomial.
  • One participant asserts that if the exponents are positive integers, it is indeed possible to isolate x, referencing Newton-Puiseux's Theorem for computing power series representations of solutions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of isolating x and the conditions that affect this possibility. There is no consensus on a definitive method or outcome, and multiple competing approaches are presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various mathematical theories and methods, such as Newton-Puiseux's Theorem and the concept of power series, which may have limitations based on the assumptions made about the exponents and coefficients involved.

Jhenrique
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Dear!

Is possible to solution a polynomial of kind y = Ax^a + Bx^b ?

Thx!
 
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You have sevens unknowns and one equation.

Could you solve 0 = a + b + c + d + e + f + g + h?
 
Jhenrique said:
Dear!

Is possible to solution a polynomial of kind y = Ax^a + Bx^b ?

Thx!
I assume you are asking if it is possible to find the zeroes of y(x) = Ax^a + Bx^b, where a,b are real numbers?
 
Jorriss said:
I assume you are asking if it is possible to find the zeroes of y(x) = Ax^a + Bx^b, where a,b are real numbers?

If it's a polynomial then a and b are natural.
 
Jhenrique said:
Dear!

Is possible to solution a polynomial of kind y = Ax^a + Bx^b ?

glappkaeft said:
You have sevens unknowns and one equation.
I count six: A, a, B, b, x, and y.
 
omg, my question is simple!

I would like to know if is possible to isolate the x variable in equation
f(x)=ax^{\alpha}+bx^{\beta}
 
Jhenrique said:
omg, my question is simple!

I would like to know if is possible to isolate the x variable in equation
f(x)=ax^{\alpha}+bx^{\beta}

In general, no. If \alpha and \beta are both less than 5, then yes. If they're both less than three, then it's a quadratic or simpler and hence easily done by the quadratic formula. In most other cases it's either difficult or impossible.
 
Yes, it's possible, and quite easy. Let us suppose that \alpha > \beta. Let \zeta = e^{2\pi i/(\alpha - \beta)} be a primitive root of unity. Then the polynomial factors as:
ax^\beta \prod_{k=1}^{\alpha - \beta} (x - \left( \frac{b}{a} \right)^{1/(\alpha - \beta)} \zeta^k)
 
In mathematics, as in other areas of science, just because a question is 'simple', it does not necessarily follow that the solution will be 'simple'.

For example, consider Fermat's Last Theorem:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fermat's_Last_Theorem
 
  • #10
Citan Uzuki said:
Yes, it's possible, and quite easy. Let us suppose that \alpha > \beta. Let \zeta = e^{2\pi i/(\alpha - \beta)} be a primitive root of unity. Then the polynomial factors as:
ax^\beta \prod_{k=1}^{\alpha - \beta} (x - \left( \frac{b}{a} \right)^{1/(\alpha - \beta)} \zeta^k)

He's not looking to factor the polynomial but rather to find the inverse f^{-1}(x), I think...
 
  • #11
Mentallic said:
He's not looking to factor the polynomial but rather to find the inverse f^{-1}(x), I think...

Yeah!
 
  • #12
Jhenrique said:
omg, my question is simple!

I would like to know if is possible to isolate the x variable in equation
f(x)=ax^{\alpha}+bx^{\beta}

Yes if the exponents are positive integers. Consider the general algebraic function, ##y(x)## written implicitly as:

$$f(x,y)=a_1(x)+a_2(x)y+a_3(x)y^2+\cdots+a_n(x)y^n=0$$

with ##a_i(x)## polynomials. In your case we would simply have:

$$f(x,y)=x-ay^{\alpha}-by^{\beta}=0$$

Then by Newton-Puiseux's Theorem, we can compute power series representations of the various branches (solutions) of ##y(x)## having the form:

$$y_d(x)=\sum_{n=-p}^{\infty} c_n\left(x^{1/d}\right)^n$$

with radii of convergences extending at least to the nearest singular point of ##f(x,y)## and often further than that.

Do a search for "Newton Polygon" if you're interested in knowing how to compute these "Puiseux" series.
 
Last edited:

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