Understanding Rational Coefficients and Roots

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 41 views

If a Polynomial Function Has Rational Coefficients and Given Roots, What Must Also Be a Root?

When dealing with polynomial functions, understanding the properties of their roots is crucial. In this case, we are given a polynomial function ${$ f(x) $}$ with rational coefficients and roots 0, 4, and ${$ 3+\sqrt{11} $}$. We need to determine what must also be a root of ${$ f(x) $}$.

Understanding Rational Coefficients and Roots

A polynomial function with rational coefficients has roots that are either rational or irrational, but the irrational roots must come in conjugate pairs. This means that if ${$ a+b\sqrt{c} $}$ is a root of the polynomial, then ${$ a-b\sqrt{c} $}$ must also be a root.

The Given Roots

We are given that the roots of the polynomial are 0, 4, and ${$ 3+\sqrt{11} $}$. Since 0 and 4 are rational roots, they do not need to come in conjugate pairs. However, the root ${$ 3+\sqrt{11} $}$ is an irrational root, and it must have a conjugate pair.

Finding the Conjugate Pair

To find the conjugate pair of ${$ 3+\sqrt{11} $}$, we need to change the sign of the irrational part. Therefore, the conjugate pair of ${$ 3+\sqrt{11} $}$ is ${$ 3-\sqrt{11} $}$.

The Correct Answer

Based on the properties of rational coefficients and roots, we can conclude that the conjugate pair of ${$ 3+\sqrt{11} $}$ must also be a root of the polynomial. Therefore, the correct answer is:

B. ${$ -3+i\sqrt{11} $}$

This is because the conjugate pair of ${$ 3+\sqrt{11} $}$ is ${$ 3-\sqrt{11} $}$, but the options given are in the form of complex numbers. The correct conjugate pair in the form of complex numbers is ${$ 3+i\sqrt{11} $}$ and ${$ 3-i\sqrt{11} $}$, but the correct answer is ${$ -3+i\sqrt{11} $}$ because it is the negative of ${$ 3-i\sqrt{11} $}$.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when dealing with polynomial functions with rational coefficients and given roots, we need to consider the properties of rational coefficients and roots. If an irrational root is given, its conjugate pair must also be a root of the polynomial. Therefore, the correct answer is ${$ -3+i\sqrt{11} $}$.

Additional Information

The properties of rational coefficients and roots are crucial in understanding the behavior of polynomial functions.
Conjugate pairs of irrational roots must also be roots of the polynomial.
The correct answer can be determined by considering the properties of rational coefficients and roots.

References

[1] "Polynomial Functions" by Math Open Reference
[2] "Rational Coefficients and Roots" by Khan Academy

Related Topics

Polynomial Functions
Rational Coefficients and Roots
Conjugate Pairs of Irrational Roots
Q&A: If a Polynomial Function Has Rational Coefficients and Given Roots, What Must Also Be a Root?

In our previous article, we discussed the properties of polynomial functions with rational coefficients and given roots. We determined that if an irrational root is given, its conjugate pair must also be a root of the polynomial. In this Q&A article, we will address some common questions related to this topic.

Q: What are rational coefficients and roots?

A: Rational coefficients and roots refer to the properties of polynomial functions where the coefficients of the polynomial are rational numbers, and the roots of the polynomial are either rational or irrational numbers. Rational numbers are numbers that can be expressed as the ratio of two integers, such as 3/4 or 22/7. Irrational numbers, on the other hand, are numbers that cannot be expressed as the ratio of two integers, such as the square root of 2 or pi.

Q: What is the significance of conjugate pairs in polynomial functions?

A: Conjugate pairs are pairs of complex numbers that have the same real part and opposite imaginary parts. In polynomial functions with rational coefficients, if an irrational root is given, its conjugate pair must also be a root of the polynomial. This is because the coefficients of the polynomial are rational numbers, and the irrational roots must come in conjugate pairs to satisfy this condition.

Q: How do I determine the conjugate pair of an irrational root?

A: To determine the conjugate pair of an irrational root, you need to change the sign of the imaginary part. For example, if the irrational root is 3 + √11, its conjugate pair is 3 - √11. If the irrational root is 3 + i√11, its conjugate pair is 3 - i√11.

Q: What is the correct answer if the given roots are 0, 4, and 3 + √11?

A: Based on the properties of rational coefficients and roots, the conjugate pair of 3 + √11 is 3 - √11. However, the options given are in the form of complex numbers. The correct conjugate pair in the form of complex numbers is 3 + i√11 and 3 - i√11, but the correct answer is -3 + i√11 because it is the negative of 3 - i√11.

Q: Can you provide an example of a polynomial function with rational coefficients and given roots?

A: Yes, here is an example of a polynomial function with rational coefficients and given roots:

f(x) = (x - 0)(x - 4)(x - (3 + √11))

To find the conjugate pair of 3 + √11, we need to change the sign of the imaginary part. Therefore, the conjugate pair of 3 + √11 is 3 - √11.

Q: How do I apply the properties of rational coefficients and roots to find the roots of a polynomial function?

A: To apply the properties of rational coefficients and roots, you need to follow these steps:

Identify the given roots of the polynomial function.
Determine if the given roots are rational or irrational.
If the given roots are irrational, find their conjugate pairs.
The conjugate pairs of the irrational roots must also be roots of the polynomial function.

By following these steps, you can determine the roots of a polynomial function with rational coefficients and given roots.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the properties of rational coefficients and roots are crucial in understanding the behavior of polynomial functions. By applying these properties, you can determine the roots of a polynomial function with rational coefficients and given roots. We hope this Q&A article has provided you with a better understanding of this topic.