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
[tex]f(x)=ax^{\alpha}+bx^{\beta}[/tex]
 
Jhenrique said:
omg, my question is simple!

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

In general, no. If [itex]\alpha[/itex] and [itex]\beta[/itex] 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 [itex]\alpha > \beta[/itex]. Let [itex]\zeta = e^{2\pi i/(\alpha - \beta)}[/itex] be a primitive root of unity. Then the polynomial factors as:
[tex]ax^\beta \prod_{k=1}^{\alpha - \beta} (x - \left( \frac{b}{a} \right)^{1/(\alpha - \beta)} \zeta^k)[/tex]
 
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 [itex]\alpha > \beta[/itex]. Let [itex]\zeta = e^{2\pi i/(\alpha - \beta)}[/itex] be a primitive root of unity. Then the polynomial factors as:
[tex]ax^\beta \prod_{k=1}^{\alpha - \beta} (x - \left( \frac{b}{a} \right)^{1/(\alpha - \beta)} \zeta^k)[/tex]

He's not looking to factor the polynomial but rather to find the inverse [itex]f^{-1}(x)[/itex], I think...
 
  • #11
Mentallic said:
He's not looking to factor the polynomial but rather to find the inverse [itex]f^{-1}(x)[/itex], 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
[tex]f(x)=ax^{\alpha}+bx^{\beta}[/tex]

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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