Math Problem Statement

Which of the following polynomials have the same complex zeros?

Solution

To determine which polynomials have the same complex zeros, we need to examine the zeros of each polynomial given in the question.

The polynomials provided are:

  1. f(x)=x4+x3+2x2+4x8f(x) = x^4 + x^3 + 2x^2 + 4x - 8
  2. g(x)=2x3+2x2+8x+8g(x) = 2x^3 + 2x^2 + 8x + 8
  3. h(x)=x2+1h(x) = x^2 + 1
  4. j(x)=x2(x2i)(x+2i)j(x) = x^2(x - 2i)(x + 2i)
  5. A cubic polynomial k(x)k(x) such that k(x)x+1=x2+4\frac{k(x)}{x + 1} = x^2 + 4.

Let's analyze each one:

Step 1: Identify Potential Complex Zeros

  1. For h(x)=x2+1h(x) = x^2 + 1:

    • This polynomial has roots x=±ix = \pm i, which are purely imaginary complex zeros.
  2. For j(x)=x2(x2i)(x+2i)j(x) = x^2(x - 2i)(x + 2i):

    • This polynomial includes the factors (x2i)(x - 2i) and (x+2i)(x + 2i), so it has complex roots x=±2ix = \pm 2i.
  3. For k(x)k(x):

    • To find k(x)k(x), note that k(x)x+1=x2+4\frac{k(x)}{x + 1} = x^2 + 4.
    • Multiply both sides by x+1x + 1: k(x)=(x+1)(x2+4)k(x) = (x + 1)(x^2 + 4).
    • Expanding this, we get: k(x)=x3+x2+4x+4k(x) = x^3 + x^2 + 4x + 4
    • The equation x2+4=0x^2 + 4 = 0 has roots x=±2ix = \pm 2i, so k(x)k(x) has complex roots x=±2ix = \pm 2i.

Step 2: Compare for Matching Complex Zeros

  • Polynomials with complex zeros x=±ix = \pm i: Only h(x)h(x).
  • Polynomials with complex zeros x=±2ix = \pm 2i: Both j(x)j(x) and k(x)k(x).

Conclusion

The polynomials that have the same complex zeros are:

  • j(x)j(x) and k(x)k(x), as they both have x=±2ix = \pm 2i as complex roots.

Would you like further details on these calculations?


Here are five additional questions that build on this analysis:

  1. How do you find complex roots for a given polynomial in general?
  2. What are the steps for factoring a polynomial to reveal its roots?
  3. How does the presence of imaginary roots affect the graph of a polynomial?
  4. Can a polynomial of odd degree have only complex roots?
  5. How can we verify if two polynomials have identical roots without solving each polynomial?

Tip: When analyzing polynomials, always look for factors or transformations that simplify the polynomial into forms where you can easily identify roots.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Polynomial Functions
Complex Zeros
Factorization

Formulas

Complex roots formula: if x^2 + b = 0, roots are ±√(-b)

Theorems

Fundamental Theorem of Algebra

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12