# Thread: Descartes Rule and Fundamental Theorem

1. ## Descartes Rule and Fundamental Theorem

Hello Hello!

I've been doing some homework and I really don't understand a few things.

Can anyone explain to me how the Descartes' Rule and Fundamental theorem can be used to determine the number of complex roots (in a polynomial)?
Examples would be absolutely stellar!

Also, does anyone know what setting a "good window" (on a graphing calculator) is?
and what features of a polynomial should be given?

Thank you! :]

2. Deleted

3. Originally Posted by Mathstud28
Descartes rule of signs: Let $p(x)$ be defined as before. The amount of sign changes in $p(x)$ is the number of real, positive roots of $p(x)$. The number of sign changes in $p(-x)$ is the number of real, negative roots of $p(x)$.

So let's combine these two rules. As before let the polynomial $p(x)$ be of degree $n$. Let there be $m$ sign changes in $p(x)$ and $e$ sign changes in $p(-x)$. By the FTA we must have $n$ roots exactly, so the amount of roots left is $n-m-e=i$. This number $i$ is the number of imaginary roots of $p(x)$
a little comment here..

the $m$ stated there is the maximum number ONLY of positive real roots and not necessarily the number of positive real roots. (and $e$ respectively..)

why maximum and not the exact? if it is $\geq 2$, the polynomial may possibly have complex roots.. (complex roots always come in pairs.)

Originally Posted by Mathstud28
... so the amount of roots left is $n-m-e=i$. This number $i$ is the number of imaginary roots of $p(x)$
this statement is not necessarily true..

counter-example: $p(x)=x^4-2x^3+2x^2-2x+1$ here, we have $m=4$ and $e=0$.. our $n=4$.. thus $i=0$?

however, $p(x)=(x^2+1)(x-1)^2$ for which there are 2 positive real roots, no negative real roots and 2 imaginary number roots.. thus, the equation is not necessarily true..

4. Originally Posted by kalagota
a little comment here..
Thank you...I have deleted my post. I definitely made an error as you pointed out it should be there are AT LEAST $i$ imaginary roots.