Question
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Find a polynomial function of lowest degree
with rational coefficients that has the given
numbers as some of its zeros.

Ask by Howell Harper. in the United States
Mar 20,2025

Upstudy AI Solution

Tutor-Verified Answer

Answer

The polynomial is .

Solution

Let the zeros be and . Since the polynomial must have rational coefficients, the complex roots occur in conjugate pairs, so is also a zero.
The zeros of the polynomial are:
The corresponding factors are:
Multiply the factors corresponding to the complex roots:
Now, multiply by the factor corresponding to :
Expanding the product:
Thus, the polynomial of lowest degree with rational coefficients that has and as zeros is:

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Beyond the Answer

To find a polynomial function of the lowest degree with rational coefficients that has and as zeros, we need to remember that complex zeros occur in conjugate pairs when the coefficients are rational. Therefore, if is a zero, must also be a zero.
Now, we can construct the polynomial by finding the factors from these zeros:
  1. For the zero and its conjugate , the factor is .
  2. For the zero , the factor is .
Multiplying these two factors together gives us the polynomial:
Now expanding:
Thus, a polynomial function of the lowest degree with rational coefficients that has the given zeros and is:

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