English

A Generalization of the B\^{o}cher-Grace Theorem

Complex Variables 2009-10-14 v1

Abstract

The B\^{o}cher-Grace Theorem can be stated as follows: Let pp be a third degree complex polynomial. Then there is a unique inscribed ellipse interpolating the midpoints of the triangle formed from the roots of pp, and the foci of the ellipse are the critical points of pp. Here, we prove the following generalization: Let pp be an nthn^{th} degree complex polynomial and let its critical points take the form α+βcoskπ/n,k=1,...,n1,β0. \alpha+\beta \cos k\pi/n, \quad k=1,...,n-1, \quad\beta\ne0. Then there is an inscribed ellipse interpolating the midpoints of the convex polygon formed by the roots of pp, and the foci of this ellipse are the two most extreme critical points of pp: α±βcosπ/n\alpha\pm\beta \cos \pi/n.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.0910.2446,
  title  = {A Generalization of the B\^{o}cher-Grace Theorem},
  author = {John Clifford and Michael Lachance},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:0910.2446},
  year   = {2009}
}