Reciprocals of Roots in a Polynomial Equation

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In summary, the sum of reciprocals of roots is the sum of the inverse values of all the roots of a given polynomial equation. It is closely related to polynomial equations and can help in finding their coefficients. The sum can be negative, and it is important in determining the number of roots and their repetition in a polynomial. It is also used in various real-life applications such as engineering, physics, and economics.
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Let $a, b, c, d, e$, and $f$ be the roots of $x^6 + 15x^5 + 53x^4 -127x^3 -1038x^2 -1832x- 960 = 0.$

Find $\displaystyle \frac{1}{a}+\frac{1}{b}+\frac{1}{c}+\frac{1}{d}+\frac{1}{e}+\frac{1}{f}.$
 
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Illmatic said:
Let $a, b, c, d, e$, and $f$ be the roots of $x^6 + 15x^5 + 53x^4 -127x^3 -1038x^2 -1832x- 960 = 0.$

Find $\displaystyle \frac{1}{a}+\frac{1}{b}+\frac{1}{c}+\frac{1}{d}+\frac{1}{e}+\frac{1}{f}.$

My solution:

Note that we could easily create another polynomial with its roots the reciprocals of the roots of $x^6 + 15x^5 + 53x^4 -127x^3 -1038x^2 -1832x- 960 = 0$, i.e. $- 960x^6 -1832x^5 -1038x^4 -127x^3 +53x^2+15 x +1= 0$, therefore the sum of all its roots $=\displaystyle \frac{1}{a}+\frac{1}{b}+\frac{1}{c}+\frac{1}{d}+\frac{1}{e}+\frac{1}{f}=-\frac{1832}{960}=-\frac{229}{120}$.
 

Related to Reciprocals of Roots in a Polynomial Equation

1. What is the meaning of "sum of reciprocals of roots" in mathematics?

The sum of reciprocals of roots refers to the sum of the inverse values of all the roots of a given polynomial equation. In other words, it is the sum of the fractions where the numerator is 1 and the denominator is each of the roots of the polynomial.

2. How is the sum of reciprocals of roots related to polynomial equations?

The sum of reciprocals of roots is closely related to polynomial equations as it helps in finding the coefficients of a polynomial. By using the formula of sum of reciprocals of roots, we can calculate the coefficients of a polynomial with given roots.

3. Can the sum of reciprocals of roots be negative?

Yes, the sum of reciprocals of roots can be negative. This can happen when the roots of the polynomial have opposite signs. For example, if the roots are -2 and 3, the sum of their reciprocals would be (-1/2) + (1/3) = -1/6.

4. What is the importance of the sum of reciprocals of roots in solving polynomial equations?

The sum of reciprocals of roots is an important concept in solving polynomial equations as it can help determine the number of roots a polynomial has. If the sum of reciprocals of roots is equal to the degree of the polynomial, then it has no repeated roots. However, if the sum is less than the degree, then the polynomial has at least one repeated root.

5. How is the sum of reciprocals of roots used in real-life applications?

The concept of sum of reciprocals of roots is used in various fields such as engineering, physics, and economics. In engineering, it is used to determine the stability of a control system. In physics, it is used to calculate the total resistance in a parallel circuit. In economics, it is used to calculate the average cost of production.

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