Find the zeroes algebraically? g(t)=t^5-6t^3+9t

1 Answer
Mar 2, 2018

#0,sqrt(3),-sqrt(3)#

Explanation:

All terms share #t# as a common factor, let's factor out #t:#

#g(t)=t(t^4-6t^2+9)#

Now, let's focus on the trinomial #t^4-6t^2+9#. This somewhat resembles a quadratic form; however, the fourth degree appears somewhat confusing. So, let's say #u=t^2#, meaning #u^2=(t^2)^2=t^4,# and rewrite the trinomial in terms of #u:#

#t^4-6t^2+9=u^2-6u+9#

We can factor this easily. Let's think of two numbers which add together to give #-6# and multiply together to give #9.# That would be #-3# and #-3.# Thus,

#u^2-6u+9=(u-3)(u-3)#

Rewrite in terms of t, as we know #u=t^2#

#(u-3)(u-3)=(t^2-3)(t^2-3)#

We can't really factor this further. Our fully factored form is then

#t(t^2-3)(t^2-3)#

Let's set this equal to #0# and solve for #t:#

#t(t^2-3)(t^2-3)=0#

#t=0# is a solution.

#t^2-3=0#

#t^2=3#
#t=+-sqrt(3)#

#sqrt(3),-sqrt(3)# are solutions.