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jmc

algebra intermediate

Problem

Find the ordered pair of real numbers such that the cubic polynomials and have two distinct roots in common.
Solution
Let and be the two common roots. Then and are the roots of Note that and are also the roots of Since the constant coefficient of is nonzero, both and are non-zero. Therefore, and are the roots of Hence, both and are the roots of But and are also the roots of so the coefficients must match. This gives us and Solving, we find

For these values, the given cubics become
Final answer
(6,7)