You are given a polynomial f, where f(x)=x^4 - 14x^3 + 74 x^2 -184x + 208, you are told that f(5+i)=0. Express f as the product of two quadratic polynomials and state all roots of f.

Since x=5+i is a solution to f(x)=0 we then know that x=5-i must also be a solution to f(x)=0, by the complex conjugate root theorem.Now we can break f down into the product of a polynomial and these two known roots;f(x)=(x-(5+i))(x-(5-i))p(x), where p(x) is to be found. Expanding brackets then gives us that;f(x)=(x^2-10x+26)p(x) We can then divide f(x) by (x-10x+26) to find p(x), and hence express f as the product of two quadratic polynomials. f(x)=(x^2-10x+26)(x^2-4x+8)Then by using the quadratic equation we can find the roots of p(x) and so now we have the roots of f as required. x= 5+i, 5-i, 2-2i, 2+2i

PL
Answered by Patrick L. Further Mathematics tutor

2464 Views

See similar Further Mathematics A Level tutors

Related Further Mathematics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Find the square root of i


A line has Cartesian equations x−p = (y+2)/q = 3−z and a plane has equation r ∙ [1,−1,−2] = −3. In the case where the angle θ between the line and the plane satisfies sin⁡θ=1/√6 and the line intersects the plane at z = 0. Find p and q.


What are imaginary numbers, and why do we bother thinking about them if they don't exist?


A tank contains 500L of salty water. Pure water is pumped in at a rate of 10 L/sec, and the the mixture is pumped out at a rate of 15L/ sec. If the concentration of salt is 5g/L initially, form an equation of amount of salt, s, at t seconds.


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning