Factoring Extended to the Complex Realm

Factoring Extended to the Complex Realm

Student Outcomes

• Students solve quadratic equations with real coefficients that have complex solutions. Students extend polynomial identities to the complex numbers.
• Students note the difference between solutions to the equation and the x-intercepts of the graph of said equation.

New York State Common Core Math Algebra II, Module 1, Lesson 39

Worksheets for Algebra II, Module 1, Lesson 39

Solutions for Algebra II, Module 1, Lesson 39

Classwork

Opening Exercise
Rewrite each expression as a polynomial in standard form.
a. (𝑥 + 𝑖)(𝑥 − 𝑖)
b. (𝑥 + 5𝑖)(𝑥 − 5𝑖)
c. (𝑥 −(2 +𝑖))(𝑥 − (2 − 𝑖))

Exercises 1–4
Factor the following polynomial expressions into products of linear terms.

1. 𝑥² + 9
2. 𝑥² + 5
3. Consider the polynomial 𝑃(𝑥) = 𝑥⁴ − 3𝑥² − 4.
   a. What are the solutions to 𝑥⁴ − 3𝑥² − 4 = 0?
   b. How many 𝑥-intercepts does the graph of the equation 𝑦 = 𝑥⁴ − 3𝑥² − 4 have? What are the coordinates of the 𝑥-intercepts?
   c. Are solutions to the polynomial equation 𝑃(𝑥) = 0 the same as the 𝑥-intercepts of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑃(𝑥)?
   Justify your reasoning.
4. Write a polynomial 𝑃 with the lowest possible degree that has the given solutions. Explain how you generated each answer.
   a. −2, 3, −4𝑖, 4𝑖
   b. −1, 3𝑖
   c. 0, 2, 1 + 𝑖, 1 − 𝑖
   d. √2, −√2, 3, 1 + 2𝑖
   e. 2𝑖, 3 − 𝑖
   

Lesson Summary

• Polynomial equations with real coefficients can have real or complex solutions or they can have both.
• If a complex number is a solution to a polynomial equation, then its conjugate is also a solution.
• Real solutions to polynomial equations correspond to the 𝑥-intercepts of the associated graph, but complex solutions do not.

Try the free Mathway calculator and problem solver below to practice various math topics. Try the given examples, or type in your own problem and check your answer with the step-by-step explanations.

We welcome your feedback, comments and questions about this site or page. Please submit your feedback or enquiries via our Feedback page.