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Ireland algebra
Problem
Let under the function Determine the image of the set under .
Solution
Let stand for a value of the function . Clearly, iff the cubic has three real roots. Normalise this to the form () If are the roots of this, then they are real iff Consequently, the roots are real iff or . Now means that satisfy the cubic equation , and so .
Unless this occurs, then . If there is equality here, then two of are equal, i.e., two of are equal. Hence, , say. Thus
Unless this occurs, then . If there is equality here, then two of are equal, i.e., two of are equal. Hence, , say. Thus
Final answer
(-∞, -15/4] ∪ {3}
Techniques
Vieta's formulasPolynomial operations