Which Integers Make All Roots of This Polynomial Integer?

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SUMMARY

The polynomial in question is defined as $P(x)=x^3-(n-3)x^2-11x+4n-8$. The objective is to identify all integer values of $n$ such that all roots of this polynomial are integers. The discussion highlights the importance of applying the Rational Root Theorem and Vieta's formulas to derive potential integer roots and their corresponding values of $n$. The suggested solution indicates that specific integer values of $n$ yield integer roots, confirming the polynomial's integer root condition.

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anemone
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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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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 $(1,\,4,\,-3)$.

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

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