How do I find and plot the roots of a polynomial with complex roots on an Argand diagram? e.g. f(z) =z^3 -3z^2 + z + 5 where one of the roots is known to be 2+i

For a polynomial with real coefficients, use that roots come in complex conjugate pairs. Therefore, another root is 2-i (and we know for this example that the final root must be real). Write the factorised function from what we know so far. For this polynomial, the factorised equation must therefore look like (z-z1)(z-z2)(z-z3) where z1 and z2 are the 2 already known roots, and z3 is real.Expand the known part. Expanding (z-(2+i))(z-(2-i)) gives (z^2 -4z +5) - be careful with the algebra when expanding. Comparing coefficients of (z^2 -4z +5)(z-z3)=z^3 -3z^2 + z + 5 shows that z3 is -1.An Argand diagram plot is simply a plot of imaginary against real components. The roots are (2+i1), (2-i1), and (-1 +i0), so the points to plot will be (2,-1), (2,+1), and (-1, 0).

ES
Answered by Edward S. Further Mathematics tutor

5113 Views

See similar Further Mathematics A Level tutors

Related Further Mathematics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Prove by mathematical induction that 2^(2n-1) + 3^(2n-1) is divisible by 5 for all natural numbers n.


Differentiate arctan of x with respect to x.


A curve has the equation (5-4x)/(1+x)


How can you find the two other roots of a cubic polynomial if you're given one of the roots (which is a complex number)?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning