theorems: - name: Fundamental Theorem of Algebra statement: Every non-zero polynomial of degree n with complex coefficients has exactly n complex roots, counted with multiplicity. tags: [roots, complex, algebra] when_to_use: When identifying the total number of complex roots of a polynomial. short_explanation: Guarantees that a polynomial of degree n has n roots in the complex number system. - name: Rational Root Theorem statement: Any rational root of a polynomial with integer coefficients is a factor of the constant term divided by a factor of the leading coefficient. tags: [rational, integer, divisibility] when_to_use: To test possible rational roots of polynomials with integer coefficients. short_explanation: Helps guess rational roots based on coefficients; useful before trying numerical methods. - name: Complex Conjugate Root Theorem statement: If a polynomial has real coefficients and a complex root a + bi, then its conjugate a - bi is also a root. tags: [complex, conjugate, real] when_to_use: After finding one complex root in real polynomials. short_explanation: Ensures non-real roots appear in conjugate pairs when coefficients are real. - name: Remainder Theorem statement: The remainder of f(x) divided by (x - c) is f(c). tags: [evaluation, factor, testing] when_to_use: When checking if (x - c) is a factor of a polynomial. short_explanation: Allows fast testing of values as roots by plugging into the polynomial. - name: Factor Theorem statement: (x - c) is a factor of f(x) if and only if f(c) = 0. tags: [roots, factors] when_to_use: After evaluating f(c) and getting 0. short_explanation: Links remainder zero directly to factorization. - name: Descartes’ Rule of Signs statement: The number of positive real roots is equal to the number of sign changes or less by an even number. tags: [signs, real, counting] when_to_use: To estimate number of positive or negative real roots. short_explanation: Gives an upper bound on number of real roots based on coefficient signs. - name: Vieta’s Formulas (Quadratic Case) statement: For ax² + bx + c = 0, sum of roots is -b/a and product is c/a. tags: [roots, coefficients, relationships] when_to_use: When relating roots to coefficients or vice versa. short_explanation: Encodes root relationships algebraically, useful for reverse-engineering equations. - name: Quadratic Formula statement: The solutions to ax² + bx + c = 0 are given by x = [-b ± sqrt(b² - 4ac)] / (2a). tags: [quadratic, formula, solution] when_to_use: To directly solve any quadratic equation. short_explanation: Universal formula for solving second-degree equations, gives real or complex roots. - name: Cube Root of Unity Theorem statement: The cube roots of unity are 1, ω, and ω² where ω = -1/2 + sqrt(3)/2 * i. tags: [roots of unity, complex, cubic] when_to_use: To factor or solve x³ + 1 = 0 or similar. short_explanation: Provides structure for solving special cubics using symmetric roots. - name: Unique Solution Condition (2x2 Systems) statement: A linear system ax + by = c, dx + ey = f has a unique solution if ae - bd ≠ 0. tags: [linear, determinant, solution condition] when_to_use: To check if a system of two equations in two variables has a unique solution. short_explanation: The determinant must be non-zero for a unique solution to exist. - name: Elimination Method statement: Linear combinations of two equations can eliminate a variable to solve the system. tags: [linear, elimination] when_to_use: To reduce a 2-variable system to one equation. short_explanation: Combines equations strategically to remove variables and simplify. - name: Substitution Method statement: Solve one equation for a variable and substitute into the other. tags: [substitution, linear] when_to_use: When one variable is easy to isolate. short_explanation: Reduces a system to a single-variable equation by replacement. - name: Gauss Elimination (Conceptual) statement: Any system of linear equations can be reduced using row operations to echelon form. tags: [system, reduction, matrix] when_to_use: For solving or analyzing larger systems or performing algorithmic solutions. short_explanation: Encodes the algebraic elimination steps in matrix language. Useful for generalization. - name: Imaginary Unit Identity statement: i² = -1 defines the imaginary unit. tags: [complex, imaginary, identity] when_to_use: When solving quadratics with negative discriminant. short_explanation: Enables extension of square roots to negative numbers, yielding complex solutions. - name: Root Multiplicity statement: If (x - c)^k divides the polynomial but (x - c)^(k+1) does not, then c is a root of multiplicity k. tags: [multiplicity, roots, factor] when_to_use: To analyze repeated roots. short_explanation: Explains why some roots repeat and how they affect the shape of the graph.