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MathsIsFun

Administrator

Registered: 2005-01-21

Posts: 7,713

Fundamental Theorem of Algebra

After several drafts, herewith I present: The Fundamental Theorem of Algebra

Comments, corrections, etc please

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"The physicists defer only to mathematicians, and the mathematicians defer only to God ..."  - Leon M. Lederman

bobbym

bumpkin

From: Bumpkinland

Registered: 2009-04-12

Posts: 109,606

Re: Fundamental Theorem of Algebra

Hi MathsisFun;

No errors that I found. Looks good. Keep it.

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In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.

John E. Franklin

Member

Registered: 2005-08-29

Posts: 3,588

Re: Fundamental Theorem of Algebra

Wow!  That's excellent!  I'll have to take a look around this site, it is really getting amazing.
I used the hex/binary/decimal converter the other day, found it from google or bing.

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igloo myrtilles fourmis

careless25

Real Member

Registered: 2008-07-24

Posts: 560

Re: Fundamental Theorem of Algebra

Nicely done!

mathsyperson

Moderator

Registered: 2005-06-22

Posts: 4,900

Re: Fundamental Theorem of Algebra

Good page!
One thing I'd change is where you talk about multiplicity. You use the example x^4 + x^3 = 0, say that it has two distinct roots, and include a graph to help illustrate.

The problem is that the roots aren't clearly visible from the graph. I'd either zoom in closer to the x-axis, or choose a different example that graphs more nicely.

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Why did the vector cross the road?
It wanted to be normal.

MathsIsFun

Administrator

Registered: 2005-01-21

Posts: 7,713

Re: Fundamental Theorem of Algebra

Thanks guys!

... I'd either zoom in closer to the x-axis, or choose a different example that graphs more nicely.

Good point, will work on it

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"The physicists defer only to mathematicians, and the mathematicians defer only to God ..."  - Leon M. Lederman

bobbym

bumpkin

From: Bumpkinland

Registered: 2009-04-12

Posts: 109,606

Re: Fundamental Theorem of Algebra

Hi MathsisFun;

I know you are trying to show multiplicity but maybe using a lower order equation to do it might be better. The higher the order of the poly the flatter will be the graph on either side of the root. This will make it difficult to see.

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In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.

ccmint

Member

Registered: 2009-10-11

Posts: 22

Re: Fundamental Theorem of Algebra

Great job! For the multiplicity section I would suggest adding that if the multiplicity of a factor is even then the graph will be tangent with the x-axis at those roots and if odd the graph will cross the x-axis at those roots.

ccmint

Member

Registered: 2009-10-11

Posts: 22

Re: Fundamental Theorem of Algebra

"A "root" (or "zero") is where the function crosses the x-axis "

Maybe this should be reworded to 'A "root" (or "zero") is a value where the function equals 0' because the function doesn't have to cross the x-axis, but it could be tangent with it. And then show a example: f(3) = 3^2 + 4(3) - 21 = 0

Patrick

Real Member

Registered: 2006-02-24

Posts: 1,005

Re: Fundamental Theorem of Algebra

Why not keep it simple and clear?

You might aswell do it right.

Also, thought about proving the following, or is it out of your scope?

Last edited by Patrick (2009-12-17 11:00:05)

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MathsIsFun

Administrator

Registered: 2005-01-21

Posts: 7,713

Re: Fundamental Theorem of Algebra

Thanks for the suggestions.

I have updated the page now

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"The physicists defer only to mathematicians, and the mathematicians defer only to God ..."  - Leon M. Lederman