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Ch. 3 - Polynomial and Rational Functions
Chapter 4, Problem 8

Determine whether each statement is true or false. If false, explain why. The product of a complex number and its conjugate is always a real number.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Complex Numbers

Complex numbers are numbers that have a real part and an imaginary part, expressed in the form a + bi, where a is the real part, b is the imaginary part, and i is the imaginary unit defined as the square root of -1. They extend the concept of one-dimensional number lines to two-dimensional planes, allowing for a broader range of mathematical solutions.
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Conjugate of a Complex Number

The conjugate of a complex number a + bi is a - bi. This operation reflects the complex number across the real axis in the complex plane. The conjugate is significant in various mathematical operations, particularly in simplifying expressions and performing division involving complex numbers.
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Product of a Complex Number and Its Conjugate

The product of a complex number and its conjugate results in a real number. Specifically, for a complex number z = a + bi, the product z * conjugate(z) = (a + bi)(a - bi) = a^2 + b^2, which is always non-negative. This property is fundamental in complex number theory and is used in various applications, including solving equations and analyzing functions.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question
Solve each problem. During the course of ayear, the number of volunteers available to run a food bank each month is modeled by V(x), where V(x)=2x^2-32x+150 between the months of January and August. Here x is time in months, with x=1 representing January. From August to December, V(x) is mod-eled by V(x)=31x-226. Find the number of volunteers in each of the following months. October
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Textbook Question
Solve each problem. During the course of ayear, the number of volunteers available to run a food bank each month is modeled by V(x), where V(x)=2x^2-32x+150 between the months of January and August. Here x is time in months, with x=1 representing January. From August to December, V(x) is mod-eled by V(x)=31x-226. Find the number of volunteers in each of the following months. Sketch a graph of y=V(x) for January through December. In what month are the fewest volunteers available?
211
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Textbook Question
Solve each problem. During the course of ayear, the number of volunteers available to run a food bank each month is modeled by V(x), where V(x)=2x^2-32x+150 between the months of January and August. Here x is time in months, with x=1 representing January. From August to December, V(x) is mod-eled by V(x)=31x-226. Find the number of volunteers in each of the following months. December
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Textbook Question
Use synthetic division to perform each division. (5x^4 +5x^3 + 2x^2 - x-3) / x+1
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Textbook Question
Graph each function. Determine the largest open intervals of the domain over which each function is (a) increasing or (b) decreasing. See Example 1. ƒ(x)=2x^4
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Textbook Question
Use the graphs of the rational functions in choices A–D to answer each question. There may be more than one correct choice. Which choices have domain (-∞, 3)U(3, ∞)?
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