MHB What is the value of $(a+c)(b+c)(a-d)(b-d)$ given specific roots?

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The discussion focuses on evaluating the expression $(a+c)(b+c)(a-d)(b-d)$, where $a$ and $b$ are roots of the equation $x^2 + 2000x + 1 = 0$, and $c$ and $d$ are roots of $x^2 - 2008x + 1 = 0$. The roots can be calculated using the quadratic formula, leading to specific values for $a$, $b$, $c$, and $d$. Participants are encouraged to derive the expression step-by-step, applying properties of roots and polynomials. The evaluation ultimately reveals the relationship between the roots and the resulting expression.
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Given that $a$ and $b$ are the roots of the equation $x^2+2000x+1=0$ whereas $c$ and $d$ are the roots of the equation $x^2-2008x+1=0$.

Evaluate $(a+c)(b+c)(a-d)(b-d)$.
 
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My attempt

We are given a,b are roots of equation so $f(x) = (x -a)(x-b) = x^2 + 2000x +1 = 0$
so $(a+c)(b+c) = (-c - a)(-c-b) = f(-c) = c^2 - 2000c + 1$

as c is root of $x^2-2008x + 1 = 0$ so $c^2 - 2000c +1 = 0$

so $(a+c)(b+c) = 0$ and multiplying by $(a-d)(b-d)$ we get $(a+c)(b+c)(a-d)(b-d) = 0$
 
Hi Kali...

Your answer is not correct...I am sorry.
 
Thanks anemone., I mixed up 2000 and 2008. I have solved it incorrectly
 
anemone said:
Given that $a$ and $b$ are the roots of the equation $x^2+2000x+1=0$ whereas $c$ and $d$ are the roots of the equation $x^2-2008x+1=0$.

Evaluate $(a+c)(b+c)(a-d)(b-d)$.

Let's first look at the product:

$$(a+c)(b-d)=ab-ad+bc-cd$$

By Viete, we know:

$$ab=cd=1$$

Hence:

$$(a+c)(b-d)=bc-ad$$

Next, let's look at the product:

$$(b+c)(a-d)=ab-bd+ac-cd=ac-bd$$

And so we find:

$$(a+c)(b+c)(a-d)(b-d)=(bc-ad)(ac-bd)=abc^2-b^2cd-a^2cd+abd^2=c^2+d^2-(a^2+b^2)$$

Now, also by Viete, we have:

$$a+b=-2000$$

Hence:

$$a^2+2ab+b^2=2000^2\implies a^2+b^2=2000^2-2$$

Likewise:

$$c+d=2008$$

$$c^2+2cd+d^2=2008^2\implies c^2+d^2=2008^2-2$$

And so:

$$(a+c)(b+c)(a-d)(b-d)=(2008^2-2)-(2000^2-2)=2008^2-2000^2=8(4008)=32064$$
 
Very good job, MarkFL!
 
By Vieta's formula, we have $a+b=-2000; ab=1; cd=1$.

$\begin{align*}(a+c)(b+c)(a-d)(b-d)&=[ab+(a+b)c+c^2][ab-(a+b)d+d^2]\\&=(1-2000c+c^2)(1+2000d+d^2)\\&=(c^2-2008c+1+8c)(d^2-2008d+1+4008d)\\&=8c(4008d)\\&=32064\end{align*}$
 

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