How can you find the coefficients of a monic quadratic when you know only one non-real root?

We know that non-real roots appear in complex conjugate pairs. Hence when we know one root, we know both of them. Then, as we can factorise a quadratic in it's linear factors, we know our quadratic is a constant times the product of x minus the roots. Lastly, as our quadratic is monic, we must have that this constant is 1. Then find the coefficients by expanding the brackets.

WV
Answered by Ward V. Maths tutor

4141 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Show that the integral ∫(1-2 sin^2⁡x)/(1+2sinxcosx) dx = (1/2) ln2 between the limits π/4 and 0. [5 marks]


Solve 2sec^2(x) = 3 + tan(x) for 0 < x <pi/2


Given that y = 4x^3 – 5/(x^2) , x =/= 0, find in its simplest form dy/dx.


Find the volume of revolution when the curve defined by y=xe^(2x) is rotated 2*pi radians about the x-axis between x=0 and x=1


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning