Solve $x^4+4x^2+6=x$ for all Complex Numbers

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SUMMARY

The equation $x^4 + 4x^2 + 6 = x$ is analyzed for solutions in the complex number domain. The discussion highlights the importance of rearranging the equation to $x^4 + 4x^2 - x + 6 = 0$ for further analysis. Various methods, including polynomial factorization and numerical approximation techniques, are suggested for finding the roots. The conversation concludes with the acknowledgment of the complexity involved in solving higher-degree polynomial equations.

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  • Understanding of complex numbers and their properties
  • Familiarity with polynomial equations and their roots
  • Knowledge of numerical approximation methods
  • Experience with algebraic manipulation and factorization techniques
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore polynomial root-finding algorithms such as Newton's method
  • Study the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra for insights on polynomial solutions
  • Learn about numerical methods for complex analysis
  • Investigate software tools like MATLAB or Python's NumPy for solving polynomial equations
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Mathematicians, students studying complex analysis, and anyone interested in solving polynomial equations in the complex number field.

anemone
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Solve for all complex numbers $x$ such that $x^4+4x^2+6=x$.
 
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My solution:

I would arrange the equation as:

$$x^4+4x^2-x+6=0$$

Then I would assume a possible factorization of the form:

$$x^4+4x^2-x+6=\left(x^2+ax+2\right)\left(x^2+bx+3\right)$$

Expand the right side:

$$x^4+4x^2-x+6=x^4+(a+b)x^3+(ab+5)x^2+(3a+2b)x+6$$

Equating the right coefficients yields the linear system:

$$a=-b$$

$$3a+2b=-1$$

This implies $a=-1,\,b=1$ and so we have:

$$x^4+4x^2-x+6=\left(x^2-x+2\right)\left(x^2+x+3\right)=0$$

Application of the quadratic formula on each quadratic factor in turn yields:

$$x=\frac{1\pm\sqrt{7}i}{2}$$

$$x=\frac{-1\pm\sqrt{11}i}{2}$$
 
anemone said:
Solve for all complex numbers $x$ such that $x^4+4x^2+6=x$.

Very well done, MarkFL!:cool:

My solution:

Completing the square on the LHS we get:
$(x^2+2)^2+2=x$, so

$(x^2+2)^2+2-x=0$,

$(x^2+2)^2-x^2+x^2+2-x=0$,

$(x^2+2+x)(x^2+2-x)+x^2+2-x=0$ and this can be easily factorized as

$(x^2+2-x)(x^2+2+x+1)=0$

$(x^2+3+x)(x^2+2-x)=0$ and solving each factor for the corresponding complex solutions we get

$x=\dfrac{1\pm i\sqrt{7}}{2}$ or $x=\dfrac{-1\pm i\sqrt{11}}{2}$.
 

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