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jmc

algebra senior

Problem

The polynomial has integer coefficients and three distinct positive zeros. Exactly one of these is an integer, and it is the sum of the other two. How many values of are possible?
Solution
Let denote the zero that is an integer. Because the coefficient of is 1, there can be no other rational zeros, so the two other zeros must be for some irrational number . The polynomial is then Therefore and the polynomial is All coefficients are integers if and only if is an integer, and the zeros are positive and distinct if and only if . Because cannot be an integer, there are possible values of .
Final answer
250500