Finding $q$ in a Polynomial with Negative Integer Roots

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SUMMARY

The polynomial \( P(x) = x^4 + mx^3 + nx^2 + px + q \) has all negative integer roots, and the sum of its coefficients \( m+n+p+q = 2009 \). To find the value of \( q \), one must utilize Vieta's formulas, which relate the coefficients of the polynomial to the sums and products of its roots. The roots being negative integers implies that their product, which corresponds to \( q \), will also be negative. The specific value of \( q \) can be derived from the conditions set by the roots and their relationships to the coefficients.

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anemone
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If $P(x)=x^4+mx^3+nx^2+px+q$ is a polynomial whose roots are all negative integers, and given that $m+n+p+q=2009$, find $q$.
 
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anemone said:
If $P(x)=x^4+mx^3+nx^2+px+q$ is a polynomial whose roots are all negative integers, and given that $m+n+p+q=2009$, find $q$.

Hello.

For my system:http://mathhelpboards.com/number-theory-27/polynomials-roots-10020.html

Let \ x_1, \ x_2, \ x_3, \ x_4: \ roots \ of \ P(x) \rightarrow{}1+m+n+p+q=2010

2010= Term independent from the polynomial, from roots: x_1-1, \ x_2-1, \ x_3-1, \ x_4-1

2010=2*3*5*67 \rightarrow{} x_1=-1, \ x_2=-2, \ x_3=-4, \ x_4=-66

P(x)=x^4+73x^3+476x^2+932x+528

Therefore:

q=528

Regards.
 
mente oscura said:

Hello.

For my system:http://mathhelpboards.com/number-theory-27/polynomials-roots-10020.html

Let \ x_1, \ x_2, \ x_3, \ x_4: \ roots \ of \ P(x) \rightarrow{}1+m+n+p+q=2010

2010= Term independent from the polynomial, from roots: x_1-1, \ x_2-1, \ x_3-1, \ x_4-1

2010=2*3*5*67 \rightarrow{} x_1=-1, \ x_2=-2, \ x_3=-4, \ x_4=-66

P(x)=x^4+73x^3+476x^2+932x+528

Therefore:

q=528

Regards.
Solution above is more structured
here is mine
if -a,-b,-c,-d are roots ( a, b, c,d all > 0) then expanding (x+a)(x+b)(x+c)(x+d) shen a+b + c + d = m
ab + bc + ac + ad + bd + cd = n
abc+ bcd+ acd + abd = p
abcd = q
now (1+a)(1+b)(1+c)(1+d) = 1 + ( a+b + c + d) + (ab + bc + ac + ad + bd + cd) + (abc+ bcd+ acd + abd) + abcd = 1+ m + n+ p + q = 2010 = 2 * 3 * 5 * 67
because of symetry considerions we can take a < b < c< d hence a = 1, b = 2, c= 4, d = 66
so q= abcd = 1 * 2 * 4 * 66 = 528
 
Last edited:
Well done to both of you and thanks for participating! :cool:

Do you guys have also some intriguing math problems that you could share with us here? Hehehe...(Wink)
 

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