Proving nature of roots of polynomial.

polynomialsrootssolution-verification

Suppose $P(x)$ is an $n$th degree polynomial with real coefficients. Prove that all the roots of $P'(x)$ are real if all the roots of $P(x)$ are real.

Here's my attempt

Questions:

I'm not sure how to prove that for a given polynomial (see link for context), its turning points are real (with or without conditions -be it all or some of its coefficients/ roots are real/ complex)

Is it possible for a turning point to be complex? If so give as example/ proof (or what its conditions are for it to happen or why it cannot happen).

I'm very new to proofs, is the "proof" I've given in any way acceptable?

Best Answer

What you are asking for is a direct consequence of Rolle's Theorem. Basically Rolle's Theorem states that if a function $f$ is continuous on $[a,b]$, differentiable on $(a,b)$ and $f(a) = f(b)$, then $\exists c \in (a,b)$ such that $f'(c) = 0$. If you apply Rolle's Theorem to the desired polynomial between any two real roots of $f$, (a polynomial is continuous and differentiable), you will get what you need directly.

For more information on Rolle's Theorem

As @DonAntonio and @Omnomnomnom have pointed out, for repeated roots, the zero will be a root of the polynomial and it's derivatives as well so this can be considered separately.

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