Mediaspace scheduled maintenance: Aug 25, 2026 07:00 - 12:00 AM. During this time, videos will be temporarily unavailable. Check status updates.

Lecture

The Fundamental Theorem of Algebra

Description

This lecture introduces the fundamental theorem of algebra, which states that every polynomial of degree n has n complex roots. The theorem is explained through various examples and proofs, showing how to find the roots of a polynomial and represent it in terms of its factors. The lecture also covers the case of real polynomials, where complex conjugate roots are discussed. Additionally, it explores the factorization of real polynomials into linear and quadratic factors. The instructor emphasizes the significance of the theorem in understanding the roots of polynomials and their representation in the complex plane.

In MOOCs (2)

Analysis I

Analysis I (part 2) : Introduction to complex numbers

Official source

Quiz

Related concepts (32)

Orthogonal polynomials

In mathematics, an orthogonal polynomial sequence is a family of polynomials such that any two different polynomials in the sequence are orthogonal to each other under some inner product. The most widely used orthogonal polynomials are the classical orthogonal polynomials, consisting of the Hermite polynomials, the Laguerre polynomials and the Jacobi polynomials. The Gegenbauer polynomials form the most important class of Jacobi polynomials; they include the Chebyshev polynomials, and the Legendre polynomials as special cases.

Chebyshev polynomials

The Chebyshev polynomials are two sequences of polynomials related to the cosine and sine functions, notated as and . They can be defined in several equivalent ways, one of which starts with trigonometric functions: The Chebyshev polynomials of the first kind are defined by Similarly, the Chebyshev polynomials of the second kind are defined by That these expressions define polynomials in may not be obvious at first sight, but follows by rewriting and using de Moivre's formula or by using the angle sum formulas for and repeatedly.

Laguerre polynomials

In mathematics, the Laguerre polynomials, named after Edmond Laguerre (1834–1886), are solutions of Laguerre's differential equation: which is a second-order linear differential equation. This equation has nonsingular solutions only if n is a non-negative integer. Sometimes the name Laguerre polynomials is used for solutions of where n is still a non-negative integer. Then they are also named generalized Laguerre polynomials, as will be done here (alternatively associated Laguerre polynomials or, rarely, Sonine polynomials, after their inventor Nikolay Yakovlevich Sonin).

Legendre polynomials

In mathematics, Legendre polynomials, named after Adrien-Marie Legendre (1782), are a system of complete and orthogonal polynomials with a vast number of mathematical properties and numerous applications. They can be defined in many ways, and the various definitions highlight different aspects as well as suggest generalizations and connections to different mathematical structures and physical and numerical applications. Closely related to the Legendre polynomials are associated Legendre polynomials, Legendre functions, Legendre functions of the second kind, and associated Legendre functions.

Romanovski polynomials

In mathematics, the Romanovski polynomials are one of three finite subsets of real orthogonal polynomials discovered by Vsevolod Romanovsky (Romanovski in French transcription) within the context of probability distribution functions in statistics. They form an orthogonal subset of a more general family of little-known Routh polynomials introduced by Edward John Routh in 1884. The term Romanovski polynomials was put forward by Raposo, with reference to the so-called 'pseudo-Jacobi polynomials in Lesky's classification scheme.

Related lectures (52)

Complex Roots: Conjugate Pairs and Quadratic Equations

Explores complex roots, conjugate pairs, and quadratic equations solving strategies.

Complex Numbers: Roots and Polynomials

Covers the properties of complex numbers, including finding roots and factorizing polynomials.

Polynomials with Real Coefficients

Explores polynomials with real coefficients, complex roots, and sequences' properties.

Complex Polynomials and Factorization

Explores complex polynomials, factorization, roots of equations, equilateral triangles, and infinite sums in sequences.

Factorisation: Real Coefficients Examples