jmc

Question

Marcelle and Jaclyn each think of a polynomial. Each of their polynomials is monic, has degree 4, and has the same positive constant term and the same coefficient of z. The product of their polynomials is z^8 +3z^7 +z^6 +3z^5 +4z^4 +6z^3 +2z^2 +4.What is the constant term of Jaclyn's polynomial?

Accepted Answer

Because the constant terms of both polynomials in the product are positive, are the same, and multiply to 4, they must each equal 4 = 2.