

InterviewSolution
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If the zeros of the polynomial f(x) = 2x3 – 15x2 + 37x – 30 are in A.P., find them. |
Answer» Let the zeros of the given polynomial be α, β and γ. (3 zeros as it’s a cubic polynomial) And given, the zeros are in A.P. So, let’s consider the roots as α = a – d, β = a and γ = a + d Where, a is the first term and d is the common difference. From given f(x), a = 2, b = -15, c = 37 and d = 30 ⇒ Sum of roots = α + β + γ = (a – d) + a + (a + d) = 3a = (\(\frac{-b}{a}\)) = -(\(\frac{-15}{2}\)) = \(\frac{15}{2}\) So, calculating for a, we get 3a = \(\frac{15}{2}\) ⇒ a = \(\frac{5}{2}\) ⇒ Product of roots = (a – d) x (a) x (a + d) = a(a2 –d2) = \(\frac{-d}{a}\) = \(\frac{-(30)}{2}\) = 15 ⇒ a(a2 –d2) = 15 Substituting the value of a, we get ⇒ (\(\frac{5}{2}\))[(\(\frac{5}{2}\))2 –d2] = 15 ⇒ 5[(\(\frac{25}{4}\)) –d2] = 30 ⇒ (\(\frac{25}{4}\)) – d2 = 6 ⇒ 25 – 4d2 = 24 ⇒ 1 = 4d2 ∴ d = \(\frac{1}{2}\) or -\(\frac{1}{2}\) Taking d = \(\frac{1}{2}\) and a = \(\frac{5}{2}\) We get, the zeros as 2, \(\frac{5}{2}\) and 3 Taking d = -\(\frac{1}{2}\) and a = \(\frac{5}{2}\) We get, the zeros as 3, \(\frac{5}{2}\) and 2. |
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