Find $a+2b+3c$ Given $(x-1)^3$ is a Factor of $x^{10}+ax^2+bx+c$

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the expression $a+2b+3c$ given that $(x-1)^3$ is a factor of the polynomial $x^{10}+ax^2+bx+c$. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and exploration of polynomial properties related to roots and derivatives.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that if $(x-1)^3$ is a factor of the polynomial, then $x=1$ must be a triple root, implying that the polynomial and its first two derivatives must equal zero at this point.
  • One participant formulates the equations based on the conditions for a triple root: $f(1) = 1 + a + b + c = 0$, $f'(1) = 10 + 2a + b = 0$, and $f''(1) = 90 + 2a = 0$.
  • A later reply mentions that these equations lead to the same solution for $a+2b+3c$, which is stated to be 7, but does not clarify how this conclusion is reached or whether it is universally accepted.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the method of using derivatives to find conditions for the coefficients, but there is no consensus on the final value of $a+2b+3c$, as it is presented as a solution without further verification or discussion of alternative outcomes.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not explore the implications of the derived equations in detail, nor does it address any potential assumptions or limitations in the approach taken by participants.

Albert1
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if $(x-1)^3 $ is a factor of $x^{10}+ax^2+bx+c$

please find :$a+2b+3c$
 
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Albert said:
if $(x-1)^3 $ is a factor of $x^{10}+ax^2+bx+c$

please find :$a+2b+3c$

Hello.

I know that the idea is not very brilliant, but:

\dfrac{x^{10}+ax^2+bx+c}{x-1}=x^9+x^8+x^7+x^6+x^5+x^4+x^3+x^2+(a+1)x+(a+b+1)+\dfrac{a+b+c+1}{x-1}

Therefore:

a+b+c+1=0. (1)

\dfrac{x^9+x^8+x^7+x^6+x^5+x^4+x^3+x^2+(a+1)x+(a+b+1)}{x-1}=x^8+2x^7+3x^6+4x^5+5x^4+6x^3+7x^2+8x+(a+9)+\dfrac{2a+b+10}{x-1}

Therefore:

2a+b+10=0. (2)

\dfrac{x^8+2x^7+3x^6+4x^5+5x^4+6x^3+7x^2+8x+(a+9)}{x-1}=x^7+3x^6+6x^5+10x^4+15x^3+21x^2+28x+36+\dfrac{a+45}{x-1}

Therefore:

a+45=0. (3)

For (1), (2) and (3):

a=-45

b=80

c=-36

a+2b+3c=7

Regards.
 
A slightly different method:
[sp]
Let $$f(x) = x^{10} + ax^2 + bx + c$$. If $(x-1)^3$ is a factor of $f(x)$ then $x=1$ is a triple zero of $f(x)$, which means that $f(x)$ and its first two derivatives must all vanish when $x=1$. Therefore $$f(1) = 1 + a + b + c = 0, \qquad(1)$$ $$f'(1) = 10 + 2a + b = 0, \qquad(2)$$ $$f''(1) = 90 + 2a = 0 \qquad(3).$$ These are the same three equations that mente oscura found, leading to the same solution $a+2b+3c = 7.$[/sp]
 
$(x-1)^3$ is a factor of $P(x) = x^{10}+ax^2 + bx + c$
so $x^3$ is a factor of $P(x+1) = (x+1)^{10}+ a(x+1)^2+b(x+1) + c$
so in the above expression coefficient of $x^2$, x and constant term shall be zero
coefficient of $x^2$ = $\binom{10}{2}+ a = 0= 45 + a = 0 $
coefficient of $x$ = 10 + 2a + b = 0
constant term = 1 + a + b + c = 0

these are same equations as above 2 that is mente oscuras's and opalg's and so the ans are same as well
 

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