The polynomial ax4+bx3+32x2−16x+6 has a factor of 3x2−2x+1. Find the ordered pair (a,b).
Solution — click to reveal
We can write ax4+bx3+32x2−16x+6=(3x2−2x+1)(cx2+dx+6).Expanding, we get ax2+bx3+32x2−16x+6=3cx4+(−2c+3d)x3+(c−2d+18)x2+(d−12)x+6.Comparing coefficients, we get ab32−16=3c,=−2c+3d,=c−2d+18,=d−12.Solving, we find a=18,b=−24,c=6, and d=−4, so (a,b)=(18,−24).