Which Integers Make All Roots of This Polynomial Integer?

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  • Thread starter anemone
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In summary, integers with integer roots are numbers that can be expressed as the power of an integer and result in an integer. This can be determined by finding the square root of the number and seeing if it is a whole number. An integer root is any power of a number that results in an integer, while a cube root specifically refers to the number that, when cubed, equals the given number. These types of numbers are commonly used in mathematics and number theory, as well as in fields like engineering and physics. However, not all numbers have integer roots, only those that can be expressed as the power of an integer.
  • #1
anemone
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MHB
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Here is this week's POTW:

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Find all integers $n$ such that all roots of the following polynomial are also integers:

$P(x)=x^3-(n-3)x^2-11x+4n-8$

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  • #2
No one answered last week's POTW(Sadface), but you can find the suggested solution below:

Let $a,\,b$ and $c$ be the integral roots of the function, $P(x)=x^3-(n-3)x^2-11x+4n-8$.

Therefore we have

$P(x)=(x-a)(x-b)(x-c)$

$P(2)=(2)^3-(n-3)(2)^2-11(2)+4n-8=8-4n+12-22+4n-8=-10=(2-a)(2-b)(2-c)$

This implies $(2-a)(2-b)(2-c)=-10$ and $ab+bc+ca=-11$.

Solving for integers values we find $(a,\,b,\,c)$ can be any permutation set of $(1,\,4,\,-3)$.

$abc=8-4n\\-12=8-4n\\ \therefore n=5\,\text{is the only solution.}$
 

Related to Which Integers Make All Roots of This Polynomial Integer?

1. What are integers with integer roots?

Integers with integer roots are numbers that can be expressed as the product of two integers. In other words, they have whole number solutions when taking the square root, cube root, or any other root.

2. How do you find integers with integer roots?

To find integers with integer roots, you can use the prime factorization method. This involves breaking down the number into its prime factors and then pairing them up to find the root. If there are any leftover factors, the number does not have integer roots.

3. What is the significance of integers with integer roots?

Integers with integer roots have a special property that makes them useful in various mathematical calculations. They can also be used to solve certain types of equations and problems.

4. Can negative numbers have integer roots?

Yes, negative numbers can have integer roots. However, the root must be an odd number for the result to be an integer. For example, the square root of -9 is -3, which is an integer.

5. How are integers with integer roots related to perfect squares and perfect cubes?

Integers with integer roots are closely related to perfect squares and perfect cubes. In fact, all perfect squares and perfect cubes have integer roots. However, not all integers with integer roots are perfect squares or perfect cubes.

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