Use synthetic division to determine whether the given number k is a zero of the polyno-mial function. If it is not, give the value of ƒ(k). ƒ(x) = x^3 + 3x^2 -x + 1; k = 1+i
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Write down the coefficients of the polynomial \( f(x) = x^3 + 3x^2 - x + 1 \), which are \( 1, 3, -1, 1 \).
Set up the synthetic division by writing \( k = 1+i \) on the left and the coefficients \( 1, 3, -1, 1 \) on the right.
Bring down the leading coefficient (1) to the bottom row.
Multiply \( k = 1+i \) by the value just written on the bottom row (1) and write the result under the next coefficient (3).
Add the value obtained to the coefficient above it (3) and write the result in the bottom row. Repeat the multiplication and addition process for the remaining coefficients.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Synthetic Division
Synthetic division is a simplified method of dividing a polynomial by a linear binomial of the form (x - c). It allows for quick calculations of polynomial values and helps determine if a given number is a root of the polynomial. This method involves using coefficients of the polynomial and performing a series of arithmetic operations, making it more efficient than long division.
A polynomial function is a mathematical expression involving a sum of powers in one or more variables multiplied by coefficients. The degree of the polynomial is determined by the highest power of the variable. Understanding polynomial functions is crucial for analyzing their behavior, including identifying roots, which are the values of x that make the function equal to zero.
Complex numbers are numbers that have a real part and an imaginary part, expressed in the form a + bi, where 'a' is the real part and 'b' is the coefficient of the imaginary unit 'i'. In this context, evaluating the polynomial at a complex number like k = 1 + i requires understanding how to perform arithmetic operations with complex numbers, which is essential for determining the value of the polynomial at that point.