Math Is Fun Forum

Fish

Guest

Algebra

Let f(x) be a quartic polynomial with integer coefficients and four integer roots. Suppose the constant term of f(x) is 6.

(a) Is it possible for x=3 to be a root of f(x)?

(b) Is it possible for x=3 to be a double root of f(x)?

Prove your answers.

Bob

Administrator

Registered: 2010-06-20

Posts: 10,640

Re: Algebra

hi Fish,

Welcome to the forum.

This problem seemed familiar so I searched using the word 'quartic'.

Here is the answer:

http://www.mathisfunforum.com/viewtopic.php?id=24336

Bob

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Children are not defined by school ...........The Fonz
You cannot teach a man anything;  you can only help him find it within himself..........Galileo Galilei
Sometimes I deliberately make mistakes, just to test you!  …………….Bob