Marden's Theorem - a marvelous theorem in mathematics
Let be a third-degree polynomial with complex coefficients, whose roots , , and are non-collinear points in the complex plane. Let be the triangle with vertices , , and . There is a unique ellipse inscribed in and tangent to the sides at their midpoints. The theorem says that the foci of this ellipse are the roots of.
The applet below demonstrates Marden’s theorem for polynomials with real coefficients.
- Click on the “Roots of f(x) checkbox to show the roots of the polynomial.
- Show the first derivative and the roots of the first derivative.
- Sow the ellipse with foci at the roots of the first derivative and passing through the midpoints of the sides of the triangle
- Show the second derivative f ‘’ (x) and its roots for the demonstration of the Gauss–Lucas theorem in the real case.
- Drag the sliders to change the coefficients of the polynomial.