Questions: What does the fundamental theorem of algebra state about the equation (2 x^2+8 x+14=0) ?
Transcript text: What does the fundamental theorem of algebra state about the equation $2 x^{2}+8 x+14=0$ ?
Solution
Solution Steps
Step 1: Identify the equation
The given equation is \( 2x^{2} + 8x + 14 = 0 \). This is a quadratic equation of the form \( ax^{2} + bx + c = 0 \), where \( a = 2 \), \( b = 8 \), and \( c = 14 \).
Step 2: Apply the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra
The Fundamental Theorem of Algebra states that every non-constant polynomial equation with complex coefficients has at least one complex root. Since the given equation is a quadratic polynomial, it must have exactly two roots (real or complex).
Step 3: Determine the nature of the roots
To determine whether the roots are real or complex, calculate the discriminant \( D \) using the formula:
\[
D = b^{2} - 4ac
\]
Substitute the values of \( a \), \( b \), and \( c \):
\[
D = 8^{2} - 4 \cdot 2 \cdot 14 = 64 - 112 = -48
\]
Since the discriminant \( D \) is negative (\( D < 0 \)), the equation has two complex conjugate roots.
Final Answer
The equation \( 2x^{2} + 8x + 14 = 0 \) has two complex conjugate roots. Thus, according to the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra, it has exactly two roots.