Possible integer values for coefficients of cubic equation with given root

In summary, a cubic equation is a polynomial equation with a highest variable power of 3. It can be solved using methods such as the rational root theorem, factoring, and the cubic formula. The roots of a cubic equation are the values of x that make the equation true and can have different combinations of real and complex solutions. The roots also relate to the graph of the equation, as they are the points where it crosses the x-axis. In science, cubic equations are important for modeling real-world phenomena and solving scientific problems.
  • #1
anemone
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Given $a,\,b,\,c$ and $d$ are all integers such that $x=\sqrt[3]{\sqrt{8}+4}-\sqrt[3]{\sqrt{8}-4}$ is a root to the equation $ax^3+bx^2+cx+d=0$. Find the possible values for $(a,\,b,\,c,\,d)$.
 
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  • #2
anemone said:
Given $a,\,b,\,c$ and $d$ are all integers such that $x=\sqrt[3]{\sqrt{8}+4}-\sqrt[3]{\sqrt{8}-4}$ is a root to the equation $ax^3+bx^2+cx+d=0$. Find the possible values for $(a,\,b,\,c,\,d)$.

$x=\sqrt[3]{\sqrt{8}+4}-\sqrt[3]{\sqrt{8}-4}$
cube both sides to get
$x^3 = \sqrt{8}+4 - (\sqrt{8}- 4) - 3\sqrt[3]((\sqrt{8}+4)(\sqrt{8}-4))x$
or $x^3=8-3\sqrt[3](8-16)x=8+6x$
or $x^3- 6x -8=0$ so $a = t, b = 0, c = -6t , d= -8t $ where t is any non zero integer
 
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  • #3
\(\displaystyle \begin{align*}x^3 &= \sqrt{8} + 4 - \sqrt{8} + 4 + 3\left( -\left(\sqrt[3]{\sqrt{8} + 4}\right)^2 \sqrt[3]{\sqrt{8} - 4} + \sqrt[3]{\sqrt{8} + 4} \left(\sqrt[3]{\sqrt{8} - 4}\right)^2 \right) \\
&= 8 + 3\sqrt[3]{\sqrt{8} + 4} \sqrt[3]{\sqrt{8} - 4}\left( -x \right) \\
&= 8 - 3\sqrt[3]{8-16}x \\
&= 8 + 6x \end{align*}\)

Thus

\(\displaystyle a = t,\ b = 0,\ c = -6t,\ d = -8t,\ t \in \mathbb{R} \smallsetminus 0.\)
 
  • #4
Hi kaliprasad and Theia!

Very well done to the both of you! And thanks for participating!
 

1. What is a cubic equation?

A cubic equation is a polynomial equation of the form ax^3 + bx^2 + cx + d = 0, where a, b, c, and d are constants and x is the variable. It is called a cubic equation because the highest power of the variable is 3.

2. How do you solve a cubic equation?

There are several methods for solving a cubic equation, including the rational root theorem, factoring, and using the cubic formula. These methods involve finding the roots or solutions of the equation, which are the values of x that make the equation true.

3. What are the roots of a cubic equation?

The roots of a cubic equation are the values of x that make the equation true. A cubic equation can have three real roots, one real root and two complex roots, or three complex roots.

4. How do the roots of a cubic equation relate to its graph?

The roots of a cubic equation are the points where the graph of the equation crosses the x-axis. This means that the x-intercepts of the graph are the roots of the equation. Additionally, the number of real roots of a cubic equation can be determined by the number of times the graph crosses the x-axis.

5. Why are cubic equations important in science?

Cubic equations are important in science because they can be used to model real-world phenomena. For example, they can be used to model the motion of an object under the influence of gravity or the growth of a population over time. Additionally, many scientific problems can be reduced to solving cubic equations, making them a valuable tool in scientific research and problem-solving.

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