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jmc

algebra senior

Problem

The polynomials and have exactly two roots in common, so each cubic has a root they do not have in common. Find the sum of the two roots they do not have in common.
Solution
Let the two common roots be and Let the roots of the first cubic be and and let the roots of the second cubic be and Subtracting the cubics, we get The roots of this quadratic are and so

Then by Vieta's formulas, and Then and so
Final answer
-6