"Graphic Representation of Complex Zeros" by Edward G. Tarkowski
 

Date of Award

4-1966

Degree Type

Master's Essay - Restricted

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science

Abstract

The use of graphic models in the development of high school algebra is quite useful. While a graphic representation of algebraic concepts does not replace algebraic techniques, the graphic representation does suggest methods of handling these problems abstractly. In the solving of systems of equations in two variables, the graphic representation usually tells us whether the solution set of the particular system is empty or nonempty, and if non - empty how many elements the solution set should contain. High school texts use, almost universally, the graphic representation of the zeros of a polynomial function when these zeros are real , but no mention is made of the case for complex zeros. The students are usually exposed to the real zeros model in the first year or early in the second year of algebra. Thus, when complex zeros are presented, the question of a graphic representation arises quite naturally. In discussions with my colleagues, I have found no one who had a graphic model. The objective of this paper is to illustrate this model.

Comments

An essay submitted to Marquette University Mathematics Department in partial fulfillment for Master of Science Degree, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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