Given that α= 1+3i is a root of the equation z^3 - pz^2 + 18z - q = 0 where p and q are real, find the other roots, then p and q.

All coefficients of z are real, therefore one root must be the complex conjugate so β = 1-3i.It is known that Σαβ = 18 (the coefficient of z), so we can get an equation in the third root, γ, as follows: Σαβ = αβ+αγ+βγ = (1+3i) (1-3i) + (1+3i)γ + (1-3i)γ = 18. Rearranging this we get γ = 4.To find p we use Σα = α+β+γ = 1+3i +1-3i + 4 = -p. Rearranging this we get that p=6. To find q we use Σαβγ = αβγ = (1+3i) (1-3i) (4) = -q. Rearranging this we get that q=-40.

ZG

Related Further Mathematics A Level answers

All answers ▸

A useful practice: how to determine the number of solutions of a system of linear equations beforehand


It is given that z = 3i(7-i)(i+1). Show that z can be written in the form 24i - k. State the integer k.


What are differential equations, and why are they important?


Find the volume of revolution about the x-axis of the curve y=1/sqrt(x^2+2x+2) for 0<x<1