1977 USAMO Problems/Problem 3: Difference between revisions
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If <math> a</math> and <math> b</math> are two of the roots of <math> x^4+x^3-1=0</math>, prove that <math> ab</math> is a root of <math> x^6+x^4+x^3-x^2-1=0</math>. | If <math> a</math> and <math> b</math> are two of the roots of <math> x^4+x^3-1=0</math>, prove that <math> ab</math> is a root of <math> x^6+x^4+x^3-x^2-1=0</math>. | ||
== Solution == | ==Solution== | ||
Given the roots <math>a,b,c,d</math> of the equation <math>x^{4}+x^{3}-1=0</math>. | Given the roots <math>a,b,c,d</math> of the equation <math>x^{4}+x^{3}-1=0</math>. | ||
First, <math>a+b+c+d = -1 , ab+ac+ad+bc+bd+cd=0, abcd = -1</math>. | First, Vieta's relations give <math>a+b+c+d = -1 , ab+ac+ad+bc+bd+cd=0, abcd = -1</math>. | ||
Then <math>cd=-\frac{1}{ab}</math> and <math>c+d=-1-(a+b)</math>. | Then <math>cd=-\frac{1}{ab}</math> and <math>c+d=-1-(a+b)</math>. | ||
The other coefficients give <math>ab+(a+b)(c+d)+cd = 0</math> or <math>ab+(a+b)[-1-(a+b)]-\frac{1}{ab}=0</math>. | |||
Let <math>a+b=s</math> and <math>ab=p</math>, so <math>p+s(-1-s)-\frac{1}{p}=0</math>(1). | Let <math>a+b=s</math> and <math>ab=p</math>, so <math>p+s(-1-s)-\frac{1}{p}=0</math>(1). | ||
Revision as of 08:52, 28 February 2016
Problem
If
and
are two of the roots of
, prove that
is a root of
.
Solution
Given the roots
of the equation
.
First, Vieta's relations give
.
Then
and
.
The other coefficients give
or
.
Let
and
, so
(1).
Second,
is a root,
and
is a root,
.
Multiplying:
or
.
Solving
.
In (1):
.
or
.
Conclusion:
is a root of
.
See Also
| 1977 USAMO (Problems • Resources) | ||
| Preceded by Problem 2 |
Followed by Problem 4 | |
| 1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 | ||
| All USAMO Problems and Solutions | ||
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