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jmc

algebra intermediate

Problem

Let be the second degree polynomial such that and Then has four real solutions. Find the only such solution which is not an integer.
Solution
Since three of the four solutions to are 2, and 3.

Also, the quadratic equation has as a root. Let be the other root. Then so must be the fourth root we seek.

Since for and for some constant Setting and we get Dividing these equations, we get Solving for we find
Final answer
\frac{8}{3}