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Solution

The document contains solutions to various mathematical problems involving polynomials and their roots. It includes finding the value of k for given zeroes, examining the nature of roots based on discriminants, constructing a cubic polynomial from given zeroes, calculating the sum of cubes of zeroes, and determining the remainder of a polynomial when divided by a product of linear factors. Each problem is solved step-by-step with appropriate mathematical reasoning and calculations.

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8 views2 pages

Solution

The document contains solutions to various mathematical problems involving polynomials and their roots. It includes finding the value of k for given zeroes, examining the nature of roots based on discriminants, constructing a cubic polynomial from given zeroes, calculating the sum of cubes of zeroes, and determining the remainder of a polynomial when divided by a product of linear factors. Each problem is solved step-by-step with appropriate mathematical reasoning and calculations.

Uploaded by

nikhilsingh
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Solutions — Questions 14–18

Q14
Problem. If α and β are zeroes of x2 − kx + k, and α2 + β 2 = 29, find k.
Solution.
For x2 − kx + k = 0 : α + β = k, αβ = k.
α2 + β 2 = (α + β)2 − 2αβ = k 2 − 2k.
Given α2 + β 2 = 29, so

k 2 − 2k = 29 =⇒ k 2 − 2k − 29 = 0.

Solve the quadratic in k:

∆ = (−2)2 − 4(1)(−29) = 4 + 116 = 120 = 4 · 30,


√ √
2 ± 120 2 ± 2 30 √
k= = = 1 ± 30.
2 2
√ √
k = 1 + 30 or k = 1 − 30

Q15
Problem. Without solving, examine the nature of roots of

3x2 − 2kx + (k 2 − 3) = 0 (relation between k and the nature of roots).

Solution. For ax2 + bx + c = 0 the discriminant D = b2 − 4ac determines the nature. Here
a = 3, b = −2k, c = k 2 − 3.

D = (−2k)2 − 4 · 3 · (k 2 − 3)
= 4k 2 − 12k 2 + 36 = 36 − 8k 2 .

Now consider cases:


(i) Two distinct real roots: D > 0 ⇐⇒ 36 − 8k 2 > 0 ⇐⇒ k 2 < 36
8
= 92 .
√
3 3 2
q
⇐⇒ |k| < 92 = √ = .
2 2
√
2 9 3 2
(ii) Equal (real) roots: D = 0 ⇐⇒ k = 2 ⇐⇒ k = ± .
2
√
2 9 3 2
(iii) Complex (non-real) conjugate roots: D < 0 ⇐⇒ k > 2
⇐⇒ |k| > .
2

1
Q16
Problem. Find the cubic polynomial whose zeroes are −1, 2, 3.
Solution. The monic cubic with those zeros is
(x + 1)(x − 2)(x − 3).
Compute stepwise:
(x − 2)(x − 3) = x2 − 5x + 6,
(x + 1)(x2 − 5x + 6) = x3 − 5x2 + 6x + x2 − 5x + 6
= x3 − 4x2 + x + 6.

p(x) = x3 − 4x2 + x + 6

Q17
Problem. If α and β are zeroes of p(x) = x2 − 2x + 5, find α3 + β 3 .
Solution. From x2 − 2x + 5 = 0,
α + β = 2, αβ = 5.
Use identity α3 + β 3 = (α + β)3 − 3αβ(α + β):
α3 + β 3 = 23 − 3 · 5 · 2 = 8 − 30 = −22.

α3 + β 3 = −22

Q18
Problem. A polynomial p(x), when divided by (x − 1) and (x − 2), leaves remainders 3 and
5 respectively. Find the remainder when p(x) is divided by (x − 1)(x − 2).
Solution. The remainder upon division by (x − 1)(x − 2) is a linear polynomial
R(x) = ax + b.
Since p(1) = 3 and p(2) = 5, and p(x) = (x − 1)(x − 2) q(x) + R(x), we have
R(1) = a · 1 + b = 3, R(2) = 2a + b = 5.
Solve the linear system:
a + b = 3,
⇒ (2a + b) − (a + b) = 5 − 3 ⇒ a = 2,
2a + b = 5.
then b = 3 − a = 1. Hence
R(x) = 2x + 1

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