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#1 2009-12-16 11:45:32
- MathsIsFun
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Fundamental Theorem of Algebra
After several drafts, herewith I present: The Fundamental Theorem of Algebra
Comments, corrections, etc please 
"The physicists defer only to mathematicians, and the mathematicians defer only to God ..." - Leon M. Lederman
#2 2009-12-16 12:30:19
- bobbym
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Re: Fundamental Theorem of Algebra
Hi MathsisFun;
No errors that I found. Looks good. Keep it.
In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
90% of mathematicians do not understand 90% of currently published mathematics.
I am willing to wager that over 75% of the new words that appeared were nothing more than spelling errors that caught on.
#3 2009-12-16 13:47:20
- John E. Franklin
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Re: Fundamental Theorem of Algebra
Wow! That's excellent! I'll have to take a look around this site, it is really getting amazing.
I used the hex/binary/decimal converter the other day, found it from google or bing.
Imagine for a moment that even an earthworm may possess a love of self and a love of others.
#5 2009-12-17 05:58:10
- mathsyperson
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Re: Fundamental Theorem of Algebra
Good page!
One thing I'd change is where you talk about multiplicity. You use the example x^4 + x^3 = 0, say that it has two distinct roots, and include a graph to help illustrate.
The problem is that the roots aren't clearly visible from the graph. I'd either zoom in closer to the x-axis, or choose a different example that graphs more nicely.
Why did the vector cross the road?
It wanted to be normal.
#6 2009-12-17 08:30:09
- MathsIsFun
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Re: Fundamental Theorem of Algebra
Thanks guys!
mathsyperson wrote:
... I'd either zoom in closer to the x-axis, or choose a different example that graphs more nicely.
Good point, will work on it
"The physicists defer only to mathematicians, and the mathematicians defer only to God ..." - Leon M. Lederman
#7 2009-12-17 08:36:37
- bobbym
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Re: Fundamental Theorem of Algebra
Hi MathsisFun;
I know you are trying to show multiplicity but maybe using a lower order equation to do it might be better. The higher the order of the poly the flatter will be the graph on either side of the root. This will make it difficult to see.
In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
90% of mathematicians do not understand 90% of currently published mathematics.
I am willing to wager that over 75% of the new words that appeared were nothing more than spelling errors that caught on.
#8 2009-12-17 11:48:10
- ccmint
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Re: Fundamental Theorem of Algebra
Great job! For the multiplicity section I would suggest adding that if the multiplicity of a factor is even then the graph will be tangent with the x-axis at those roots and if odd the graph will cross the x-axis at those roots. 
#9 2009-12-18 01:33:09
- ccmint
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Re: Fundamental Theorem of Algebra
"A "root" (or "zero") is where the function crosses the x-axis "
Maybe this should be reworded to 'A "root" (or "zero") is a value where the function equals 0' because the function doesn't have to cross the x-axis, but it could be tangent with it. And then show a example: f(3) = 3^2 + 4(3) - 21 = 0
#10 2009-12-18 09:54:35
- Patrick
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Re: Fundamental Theorem of Algebra
Why not keep it simple and clear?
You might aswell do it right.
Also, thought about proving the following, or is it out of your scope?
Last edited by Patrick (2009-12-18 10:00:05)
#11 2009-12-18 10:49:50
- MathsIsFun
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Re: Fundamental Theorem of Algebra
Thanks for the suggestions.
I have updated the page now
"The physicists defer only to mathematicians, and the mathematicians defer only to God ..." - Leon M. Lederman