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jmc

algebra intermediate

Problem

What is the largest value of for which the polynomials and can both be factors of a cubic polynomial ?
Solution
Because has three roots, if and are both factors of , then they must have a common root . Then , and , for any two constants and . Taking and yields the equation Then , so . Thus which is equivalent to , whose roots are and 0. When , and , and both polynomials are factors of . Thus the requested value of is .
Final answer
30