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jmc

algebra senior

Problem

The polynomial has the property that the mean of its zeros, the product of its zeros, and the sum of the coefficients are all equal. The -intercept of the graph of is 8. What is ?
Solution
The -intercept of the graph is the point at which . At that point, , which we are told is equal to 8. Thus, . The product of the roots of the given polynomial is . The problem states that the mean of the zeros must also equal , so the sum of the three zeros (this is a cubic equation) is equal to . The sum of the zeros is also equal to , so . Finally, we are given that the sum of the coefficients, or , is also equal to . Plugging in our known values of and , we have . Solving for , we get .
Final answer
-38