Max Value of k for Cubic Polynomial Factoring

  • Thread starter ehrenfest
  • Start date
In summary, the question asks for the largest value of k for which the polynomials Q_1(x) = x^2+(k-29)x-k and Q_2(x) = 2x^2+(2k-43)x+k are both factors of a cubic polynomial P(x). The answer does not depend on the specific form of P(x), only that it is cubic. The goal is to find the values of k that make Q_1(x) and Q_2(x) divisors of P(x), and then choose the largest of these values.
  • #1
ehrenfest
2,020
1

Homework Statement


The polynomial P(x) is cubic. What is the largest value of k for which the polynomials Q_1(x) = x^2+(k-29)x-k and Q_2(x) = 2x^2+(2k-43)x+k are both factors of P(x)?

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


I don't understand the question. How can you determine whether Q_1 and Q_2 are factors of P(x) when they do not tell you what P(x) is!?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Presumably you only need to know that it is cubic, so take some general cubic function.
 
  • #3
How could the answer possibly not depend on what P(x) is? If not, and the answer is greater than 1, that implies that ALL cubic polynomials have a common factor which is absurd!
 
  • #4
I agree - the wording could have been better. I think what they want you to do is assume that Q_1 and Q_2 are divisors of P, find the values of k for which this is possible, and give them the largest of these values. Using this interpretation, all you need to know about P is that it's a cubic.
 

What is the max value of k for cubic polynomial factoring?

The maximum value of k in cubic polynomial factoring depends on the specific polynomial being factored. In general, the max value of k can be found by dividing the degree of the polynomial by 2 and rounding up. For example, if the polynomial is of degree 5, the max value of k would be 3.

Why is the max value of k important in cubic polynomial factoring?

The max value of k is important because it determines the number of terms needed in the factored form of the polynomial. If the value of k is too low, the factored form may not accurately represent the original polynomial and may result in incorrect solutions. On the other hand, if the value of k is too high, the factored form may be unnecessarily complicated.

How do you determine the max value of k for a specific cubic polynomial?

The max value of k for a specific cubic polynomial can be determined by looking at the highest degree term in the polynomial. For example, if the cubic polynomial is written as ax^3 + bx^2 + cx + d, the max value of k would be (3/2) or 2, since the highest degree term is x^3.

Is there a formula for finding the max value of k in cubic polynomial factoring?

Yes, there is a formula for finding the max value of k in cubic polynomial factoring. The formula is (n/2) + 1, where n is the degree of the polynomial. So for a cubic polynomial of degree 5, the max value of k would be (5/2) + 1 = 3.

What happens if the max value of k is exceeded in cubic polynomial factoring?

If the max value of k is exceeded in cubic polynomial factoring, the factored form of the polynomial may not be simplified fully. This means that the polynomial may not be fully factored and may still have some terms that can be factored further. It is important to stay within the max value of k to ensure the most simplified factored form of the polynomial.

Similar threads

  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
538
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
78
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
859
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • Linear and Abstract Algebra
Replies
2
Views
970
Back
Top