If a polynomial function, [tex]\( f(x) \)[/tex], with rational coefficients has roots [tex]\( 0, 4 \)[/tex], and [tex]\( 3 + \sqrt{11} \)[/tex], what must also be a root of [tex]\( f(x) \)[/tex]?

A. [tex]\( 3 - i\sqrt{11} \)[/tex]
B. [tex]\( -3 + i\sqrt{11} \)[/tex]
C. [tex]\( 3 - \sqrt{11} \)[/tex]
D. [tex]\( -3 - \sqrt{11} \)[/tex]



Answer :

Given that a polynomial function [tex]\( f(x) \)[/tex] has rational coefficients, and it has roots [tex]\( 0 \)[/tex], [tex]\( 4 \)[/tex], and [tex]\( 3 + \sqrt{11} \)[/tex], we need to determine which additional root must also be present.

Let's consider the properties of polynomials with rational coefficients. If a polynomial has rational coefficients and a root involving an irrational number, then the conjugate of that root must also be a root. This is because the coefficients of the polynomial must remain rational.

Alright, we have identified the root [tex]\( 3 + \sqrt{11} \)[/tex].

The conjugate of [tex]\( 3 + \sqrt{11} \)[/tex] is [tex]\( 3 - \sqrt{11} \)[/tex].

Therefore, [tex]\( 3 - \sqrt{11} \)[/tex] must also be a root of the polynomial function [tex]\( f(x) \)[/tex].

Among the provided options:

1. [tex]\( 3 + i \sqrt{11} \)[/tex]
2. [tex]\( -3 + i \sqrt{11} \)[/tex]
3. [tex]\( 3 - \sqrt{11} \)[/tex]
4. [tex]\( -3 - \sqrt{11} \)[/tex]

The correct answer that corresponds to the required conjugate is [tex]\( 3 - \sqrt{11} \)[/tex].

Hence, the additional root of [tex]\( f(x) \)[/tex] must be [tex]\( 3 - \sqrt{11} \)[/tex].