Q176 · Practice questionTechnology-freeComplex familiar5 marks
QUESTION 176 (5 marks)
The polynomial has zero .
a)[3 marks]
Factorise p over the real numbers and determine all its zeros.
b)[2 marks]
Determine which zero lies nearest the origin, with justification.
WORKED SOLUTION
5 marksPractice marking scheme
ANSWER
(a) ; zeros . (b) .
Worked solution
(a) Real coefficients require the conjugate zero . The pair gives . Division of the cubic by this factor gives , accounting for all three zeros.
(b) The real zero has modulus 2 and the complex zeros have modulus . Since , 2 is uniquely nearest.
Equivalent mathematically justified methods accepted.
Exact answers unless a decimal accuracy is specified.
Part a: Use the conjugate-root theorem.
Part a: Obtain the quadratic and linear factors.
Part a: State all three zeros.
Part b: Compare moduli.
Part b: Identify the uniquely nearest zero.
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