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Recall the Conjugate Root Theorem and the Complex Conjugate Root Theorem.
-2-sqrt(11), - 4+6i
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If P(x) is a polynomial with rational coefficients, then any irrational roots of P(x)=0 occur in conjugate pairs. |
The above statement tell us that if a + sqrt(b) is an irrational root, then a - sqrt(b) is also a root. Let's use this to find an additional irrational root.
| Hypotheses | Conclusion |
|---|---|
| P(x) has rational coefficients | - 2-sqrt(11) is also a root of P(x) |
| -2+sqrt(11) is an irrational root of P(x)=0 |
To find the remaining root, let's recall the Complex Conjugate Root Theorem.
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If P(x) is a polynomial with real coefficients, then any complex roots of P(x)=0 occur in conjugate pairs. |
This means that if a + bi is a complex root, then a - bi is also a root. Let's now use this to find the other complex root.
| Hypotheses | Conclusion |
|---|---|
| P(x) has rational, real coefficients | -4+6i is also a root of P(x) |
| - 4-6i is a complex root of P(x) |
The two additional roots that we can know for certain using the Conjugate Root Theorem are - 2-sqrt(11) and -4+6i.