Browse · MATH
Printjmc
algebra senior
Problem
The coefficients of the polynomial are all integers. Let be the exact number of integer roots of the polynomial, counting multiplicity. For example, the polynomial has two integer roots counting multiplicity, because the root is counted twice.
Enter all possible values of separated by commas.
Enter all possible values of separated by commas.
Solution
The polynomial shows that can be 0
The polynomial shows that can be 1.
The polynomial shows that can be 2.
The polynomial shows that can be 4.
Suppose the polynomial has three integer roots. By Vieta's formulas, the sum of the roots is which is an integer. Therefore, the fourth root is also an integer, so it is impossible to have exactly three integer roots.
Thus, the possible values of are
The polynomial shows that can be 1.
The polynomial shows that can be 2.
The polynomial shows that can be 4.
Suppose the polynomial has three integer roots. By Vieta's formulas, the sum of the roots is which is an integer. Therefore, the fourth root is also an integer, so it is impossible to have exactly three integer roots.
Thus, the possible values of are
Final answer
0, 1, 2, 4