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Printjmc
algebra senior
Problem
Let and be two distinct polynomials with real coefficients such that the -coordinate of the vertex of is a root of and the -coordinate of the vertex of is a root of and both and have the same minimum value. If the graphs of the two polynomials intersect at the point what is the value of ?
Solution
By symmetry, the line must be equidistant to both vertices of the parabolas. Furthermore, the -coordinate of the vertex of is and the -coordinate of the vertex of is
Therefore, which implies
Therefore, which implies
Final answer
-400