Topic explanation

Standard explanation

If the roots are alpha and beta, the monic equation is x²-(alpha+beta)x+alpha beta=0.

Key points

• forming an equation from its roots
• understand the idea
• apply it carefully
• keep the ideas separate
• Forming An Equation From Its Roots: If the roots are alpha and beta, the monic equation is x²-(alpha+beta)x+alpha beta=0.
• WHAT — FORMING AN EQUATION FROM ITS ROOTS: If the roots are alpha and beta, the monic equation is x²-(alpha+beta)x+alpha beta=0.
• HOW — Use the idea: Identify what is given, select this topic's rule or evidence, apply it one step at a time, and check
• CORE UNDERSTANDING: If the roots are alpha and beta, the monic equation is x²-(alpha+beta)x+alpha beta=0.

Labelled diagram