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Printjmc
algebra intermediate
Problem
The polynomial has three positive integer roots. What is the smallest possible value of ?
Solution
By Vieta's Formulas, we know that is the sum of the three roots of the polynomial . Again Vieta's Formulas tells us that is the product of the three integer roots. Also, factors into . But, since there are only three roots to the polynomial, two of the four prime factors must be multiplied so that we are left with three roots. To minimize , and should be multiplied, which means will be
Final answer
78