# Math Help - Polynomial function with imaginary root

1. ## Polynomial function with imaginary root

The polynomial 3x^3-13x^2+ax+b=0, a and b real numbers, has 2-i as one of its roots. Where does the graph of y=3x^3-13x^2+ax+b cross the x-axis?

The solution is 1/3. Through what method(s) could i find that answer?

2. Originally Posted by ceinstein1
has 2-i as one of its roots.
One of the other roots is its complex conjugate 2+i, then use these with the fact that if P(a) = 0 then (x-a) is a factor.

Also if you want to graph this you with have to use a complex plane with an imaginary and real axis.

3. If $2-i$ is a root of $f(x) = 3x^3-13x^2+ax+b$, then so is $2+i$.
$(x-[2-i])(x-[2+i]) = x^2-4x+5$, so we can write
$3x^3-13x^2+ax+b = (x^2-4x+5)(cx+d)$ for some $c, d \in\mathbb{R}$.
By expanding the RHS, or otherwise, we see from the coefficient of $x^3$ that $c = 3$,
and from that of $x^2$ we have $d-4c = -13$, and as $c = 3$, we have $d = -1$.
Thus it crosses the x-axis at [LaTeX ERROR: Convert failed]