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Theory of Equations Part-1

1. Every nth degree equation has exactly n roots real or imaginary.

2. Relation between, roots and coefficients of an equation.

(i) If α , β , γ are the roots of x3 + p1 x 2 + p2 x + p3 = 0 the sum of the roots

s1 = α + β + γ = − p1.

Sum of the products of two roots taken at a time s2 = αβ + βγ + γα = − p2 .

Product of all the roots, s3 = αβγ = − p3 .

(ii) If α , β , γ , δ are the roots of x 4 + p1 x3 + p2 x 2 + p3 x + p4 = 0 then

Sum of the roots s1 = α + β + γ + δ = − p1.

s2 = αβ + αγ + αδ + β + βδ + γδ = p2 .

Sum of the products of roots taken three at a time

s3 = αβγ + βγδ + γδα + δαβ = − p3 .

Product of the roots, s4 = αβγδ = p4 .

3. For the equation x n + p1 x n −1 + p 2 x n−2 + . . . + p n = 0

i) ∑α2 = p12 – 2p2 ii) ∑α3 = − p13 + 3p1p 2 − 3p 3

iii) ∑α4 = p14 − 4p1

2
p 2 + 2p 2 2 + 4p1p3 − 4p 4 iv) ∑α2β = 3p3 – p1p2

v) ∑α2βγ = p1p 3 − 4p 4

Note: For the equation x 3 + p1x 2 + p 2 x + p 3 = 0 ∑α2β2 = p 2 2 − 2p1p 3

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4. To remove the second term from a nth degree equation, the roots must be diminished by
− a1
and the resultant equation will not contain the term with xn-1.
na 0

5. If α1 , α2 , .....αn are the roots of f(x) = 0, the equation

1 1 1 1
i) Whose roots are , .... is f   = 0 .
α1 α 2 α n x

x
ii) Whose roots are kα1 , kα2,...,kαn is f   = 0 .
k

iii) Whose roots are α1 − h, α 2 − h, ....α n − h is f(x+h) = 0.

iv) Whose roots are α1 + h, α2 + h, .....αn + h is f(x-h) = 0.

v) Whose roots are α12, α22.... αn2 is f ( y) = 0

6. In any equation with rational coefficients, irrational roots occur in conjugate pairs.

7 . In any equation with real coefficients, complex roots occur in conjugate pairs.

8. If α is r - multiple root of f(x) = 0, then α is a (r-1) - multiple root of f1(x)=0 and

(r-2) - Multiple root of f11(x) = 0 and non multiple root of f r-1(x) =0.

9. i) If f(x) = xn + p1xn-1 +.......+pn-1x + pn and f(a) and f(b) are of opposite sign, then at least
one real root of f(x) =0 lies between a and b.

10. (a) For a cubic equation, when the roots are

(i) In A.P., then they are taken as a − d , a , a + d

a
(ii) In G.P., then are taken as , a, ar
r

1 1 1
(iii) In H.P., then they are taken as , ,
a−d a a+d

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11. (b) For a bi quadratic equation, if the roots are

(i) In A.P., then they are taken as a − 3d , a + d , a + 3d .

a a
(ii) In G.P., then they are taken as 3
, , ad , ad 3
d d

1 1 1 1
(iii) In H.P., then they are taken as , , , .
a − 3d a − d a + d a + 3d

1
12. (i) If an equation is unaltered by changing x into , then it is a reciprocal equation.
x

(ii) A reciprocal equation f ( x ) = p0 xn + p1 xn−1 + ......... + pn = 0 is said to be a reciprocal

equation of first class pi = pn −i for all i.

(iii) A reciprocal equation f ( x ) = p0 xn + p1 xn−1 + ....... + pn = 0 is said to be a reciprocal

equation of second class pi = pn −i for all i.

(iv) For an odd degree reciprocal equation of class one, −1 is a root and for an odd degree
reciprocal equation of class two, 1 is a root.

(v) For an even degree reciprocal equation of class two, 1 and −1 are roots.

13. If f ( x ) = 0 is an equation of degree ‘n’ then to eliminate rth term, f ( x ) = 0 can be

transformed to f ( x + h) = 0 where h is a constant such that f ( n− r +1) ( h ) = 0 i.e., ( n − r + 1)

th

derivative of f ( h ) is zero.

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Very Short Answer Questions

1. Form polynomial equations of the lowest degree, with roots as given below.

(i) 1, − 1, 3

Equations having roots α , β , γ is ( x − α )( x − β )( x − γ ) = 0

Sol: Required equation is

( x −1)( x + 1)( x − 3) = 0

⇒ ( x 2 − 1) ( x − 3) = 0

⇒ x3 − 3x2 − x + 3 = 0

(ii) 1 ± 2i , 4, 2

In an equation imaginary roots occur in conjugate pairs.

Sol: Equation having roots α , β , γ , δ is ( x − α )( x − β )( x − γ )( x − δ ) = 0

Required equation is

 x − (1 + 2i )   x − (1 − 2i )  ( x − 4 )( x − 2 ) = 0

 x − (1 + 2i )   x − (1 − 2i ) 

= ( x − 1) − 2i  ( x − 1) + 2i 

= ( x − 1) − 4i 2
2

= ( x − 1) + 4
2

= x2 − 2x + 1 + 4

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= x2 − 2x + 5

( x − 4)( x − 2) = x2 − 4x − 2x + 8

= x2 − 6x + 8

Required equation is

(x 2
− 2 x + 5)( x 2 − 6 x + 8) = 0

⇒ x 4 − 2 x 3 + 5 x 2 − 6 x 3 + 12 x 2 − 30 x + 8 x 2 − 16 x + 40 = 0

⇒ x 4 − 8 x 3 + 25 x 2 − 46 x + 40 = 0

(iii) 2 ± 3,1 ± 2i

Sol: Required Equation is

( )
x − 2 + 3  x − 2 − 3 
   ( )
 x − (1 + 2i )   x − (1 − 2i )  = 0 ....... (1)

( )
x − 2 + 3  x − 2 − 3 
   ( )
= ( x − 2 ) − 3  ( x − 2 ) + 3 

= ( x − 2) − 3
2

= x2 − 4x + 4 − 3

= x2 − 4x + 1

 x − (1 + 2i )   x − (1 − 2i ) 

= ( x − 1) − 2i  ( x − 1) + 2i 

= ( x − 1) − 4i 2
2

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= ( x2 − 2 x + 1 + 4)

= x2 − 2x + 5

Substituting in (1), required equation is

(x 2
− 4 x + 1)( x 2 − 2 x + 5) = 0

⇒ x 4 − 4 x 3 + x 2 − 2 x 3 + 8 x 2 − 2 x + 5 x 2 − 20 x + 5 = 0

⇒ x 4 − 6 x 3 + 14 x 2 − 22 x + 5 = 0

(iv) 0, 0, 2, 2, −2, −2

Sol: Required Equation is

( x − 0)( x − 0)( x − 2)( x − 2) = 0

⇒ x2 ( x + 2 )( x + 2) = 0

⇒ x2 ( x − 2 ) ( x + 2 ) = 0
2 2

⇒ x2 ( x2 − 4) = 0
2

⇒ x 2 ( x 4 − 8 x 2 + 16 ) = 0

⇒ x 6 − 8 x 4 + 16 x 2 = 0

(v) 1 ± 3, 2, 5

Sol: Required equation is

 (  ) (
 )
 x − 1 + 3   x − 1 − 3  ( x − 2)( x − 5)  = 0
 − − − − (1)

 (  ) (
  )
 x − 1 + 3   x − 1 − 3  = ( x − 1) − 3  ( x − 1) + 3 
 

= ( x − 1) − 3 = x 2 − 2 x + 1 − 3
2

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= x2 − 2x − 2

( x − 2)( x − 5) = x2 − 2 x − 5x + 10

= x 2 − 7 x + 10

Substituting in (i) required equation is

(x 2
− 2 x − 2 )( x 2 − 7 x + 10 ) = 0

⇒ x 4 − 2 x 3 − 7 x 3 + 14 x 2 + 14 x + 10 x 2 − 20 x − 20 = 0

⇒ x 4 − 9 x 3 + 22 x 2 − 6 x − 20 = 0

3 5
(vi) 0,1, − , −
2 2

Sol: Required Equation is

 3  5
x ( x − 1)  x +  x +  = 0 ......... (1)
 2  2

x ( x − 1) = x2 − x

 3  5 3 5 15
 x +  x +  = x + x + x +
2

 2  2 2 2 4

15
= x2 + 4x +
4

Substituting in (i), required equation is

 15 
⇒ ( x2 − x )  x2 + 4 x +  = 0
 4

15 2 15 x
⇒ x 4 − x3 + 4 x3 − 4 x 2 + x − =0
4 4

1 15
⇒ x 4 + 3x 3 − x 2 − x = 0
4 4

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Or ⇒ 4 x 4 + 12 x 3 − x 2 − 15 x = 0

2. If α , β , γ are the roots of 4 x 3 − 6 x 2 + 7 x + 3 = 0, then find the value of αβ + βγ + γα .

Sol: α , β , γ are the roots of 4 x 3 − 6 x 2 + 7 x + 3 = 0

a1 6
α + β +γ = − =
a0 4

a2 7
αβ + βγ + γα = =
a0 4

a3 3
αβγ = − =−
a0 4

7
∴αβ + βγ + γα =
4

3. If 1,1, α are the roots of x3 − 6 x 2 + 9 x − 4 = 0, then find α

Sol: 1,1, α are roots of x 3 − 6 x 2 − 9 x − 4 = 0

Sum = 1 +1 + α = 6

α = 6−2 = 4

4. If − 1, 2 and α are the roots of 2 x3 + x 2 − 7 x − 6 = 0, then find α

Sol: − 1, 2, α are roots of 2 x 3 + x 2 − 7 x − 6 = 0

1
Sum = −1 + 2 + α = −
2

1 3
α = − −1 = −
2 2

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5. If 1, − 2 and 3 are roots of x3 − 2 x 2 + ax + 6 = 0, then find a.

Sol: 1, − 2 and 3 are roots of

x 3 − 2 x 2 + ax + 6 = 0

⇒ 1( −2) + ( −2) 3 + 3.1 = a

i.e., a = −2 − 6 + 3 = −5

6). If the product of the roots of 4 x 3 + 16 x 2 − 9 x − a = 0 is 9, then find a.

Sol: α , β , γ are the roots of 4 x 3 + 16 x 2 − 9 x − a = 0

a
αβγ = = 9 ⇒ a = 36
4

7. Find the values of S1 , S 2 , S3 and S 4 for each of the following equations.

(i) x 4 − 16 x 3 + 86 x 2 − 176 x + 105 = 0

Sol: Given equation is

x 4 − 16 x 3 + 86 x 2 − 176 x + 105 = 0

a1 16
We know that s1 = − = = 16
a0 1

a2 86
s2 = = = 86
a0 1

a3 176
s3 = − = = 176
a0 1

a4 105
s4 = = = 105
a0 1

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(ii) 8 x 4 − 2 x 3 − 27 x 2 + 6 x + 9 = 0

Sol: Equation is 8 x 4 − 2 x 3 − 27 x 2 + 6 x + 9 = 0

a1 2 1
s1 = − = =
a0 8 4

a2 27
s2 = =
a0 8

a3 6 3
s3 = − =− =−
a0 8 4

a4 9
s4 = =
a0 8

8. Solve x3 − 3x 2 − 16 x + 48 = 0, given that the sum of two roots is zero.

Sol: Let α , β , γ are the roots of

x 3 − 3 x 2 − 16 x + 48 = 0

α + β +γ = 3

Given α + β = 0 (∵ Sum of two roots is zero)

∴γ = 3

i.e. x − 3 is a factor of

x 3 − 3 x 2 − 16 x + 48 = 0

3 1 -3 -16 48
- 3 0 -48

1 0 -16 0

x 2 − 16 = 0 ⇒ x 2 = 16

⇒ x = ±4

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∴ The roots are − 4, 4, 3

9. Find the condition that x3 − px 2 + qx − r = 0 may have the sum of its roots zero.

Sol: Let α , β , γ be the roots of x3 − px 2 + qx − r = 0

α + β +γ = p (1)

αβ + βα + γα = q ( 2)

αβγ ( 3)

Given α + β = 0

(∵ Sum of two roots is zero)

From (1), γ = p

∵γ is a root of x3 − px 2 + qx − r = 0

γ 3 − pγ 2 + qγ − r = 0

But γ = p

⇒ p3 − p ( p 2 ) + q ( p ) − r = 0

⇒ p 3 − p 3 + qp − r = 0

∴qp = r is the required condition.

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10. Given that the roots of x3 + 3 px 2 + 3 px + r = 0 are in

(i) A.P., show that 2 p 2 − 3qp + r = 0

(ii) G.P., show that p3r = q3

(iii) H.P., show that 2q3 = r ( 3 pq − r )

Sol: Given equation is x3 + 3 px 2 + 3 px + r = 0

(i) The roots are in A.P.

Suppose a − d , a , a + d = − 3 p

3a = −3 p ⇒ a = − p (1)

∵ ' a ' x + 3 px + 3qx + r = 0

3 2

⇒ a 3 + 3 pa 2 + 3qa + r = 0

But a = − p

⇒ − p3 + 3 p ( − p ) + 3q ( − p ) + r = 0
2

⇒ 2 p 3 − 3 pq + r = 0 is the required condition

(ii) The roots are in G.P.

a
Suppose the roots be , a, aR
R

a
Given   ( a )( aR ) = −r
R

⇒ a3 = −r

⇒ a = ( −r )
1/ 3

∵ ’a’ is a root of x3 + 3 px 2 + 3qx + r = 0

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⇒ ( − r1/ 3 ) + 3 p ( −r 1/ 3 ) + 3q ( −r 1/ 3 ) + r = 0
3 2

⇒ − r + 3 pr 2 / 3 − 3qr 1/ 3 + r = 0

pr 2 / 3 = qr1/ 3

⇒ pr 1/ 3 = q

⇒ p 3 r = q is the required condition

(iii) The roots of x3 + 3 px2 + 3qx + r = 0 (1) are in H.P.

1 1 3 p 3q
Let y = so that 3 + 2 + + r = 0 ( 2 ) are in A.P.
x y y y

Suppose a − d , a , a + d be the roots of (2)

3q
Sum = a − d , a, a + d = −
r

3q
3a = −
r

q
a=− (1)
r

∵ ‘a’ is root of ry 3 + 3qy 2 + 3 py + 1 = 0

⇒ ra 3 + 3qa 2 + 3 pa + 1 = 0

q
But a = −
r

3 2
 q  q  q
⇒ r  −  + 3q  −  + 3 p  −  + 1 = 0
 r  r  r

− q 3 3q 3 3 pq
+ 2 − +1 = 0
r2 r r

⇒ − q 3 + 3q 3 − 3 pqr + r 2 = 0

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⇒ 2q3 = r ( 3 pq − r ) is the required condition.

11. Find the condition that x3 − px 2 + qx − r = 0 may have the roots in G.P.

a
Sol: Let , a, aR be the roots of x3 − px 2 + qx − r = 0
R

Then product of the roots

a
= , a, aR = a 3 = r
R

⇒ a = r 1/ 3

∵ a is a root of x3 − px 2 + qx − r = 0

⇒ a 3 − pa 2 + qa − r = 0

But a = r 1/ 3

⇒ ( r1/ 3 ) − pa 2 + qa − r = 0
3

But a = r 1/ 3

⇒ ( r 1/ 3 ) − p ( r1/ 3 ) + q ( r1/ 3 ) − r = 0
3 2

⇒ r − p. r 2 / 3 + q.r 1/ 3 − r = 0

⇒ p.r 2 / 3 = q r1/ 3

By cubing on both sides

⇒ p 3 r 2 = q 3r

⇒ p 3 r = q 3 is the required condition

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12. Form the polynomial equation whose roots are

(i) 2 + 3i , 2 − 3i, 1 + i, 1 − i

Sol: The required equation is

 x − ( 2 − 3i )   x − ( 2 − 3i ) 

 x −(1 + i )   x − (1 − i )  = 0

⇒ ( x− 2) − 9i 2  ( x − 1) − i 2  = 0
2 2

  

( )(
⇒ x2 − 4 x + 4 − 9 x2 − 2 x + 1 + 1 = 0 )

( )(
⇒ x 2 − 4 x + 13 x 2 − 2 x + 2 = 0 )
⇒ x3 − 4 x3 + 13 x 2 − 2 x 3 + 8 x 2 − 26 x + 2 x 2 − 8 x + 26 = 0

⇒ x 4 − 6 x3 + 23 x 2 − 34 x + 26 = 0

(ii) 3, 2, 1 + i, 1 – i

Sol: Required equation is

( x − 3)( x − 2)  x − (1 + i )   x − (1 − i )  = 0

( )
⇒ x 2 − 5 x + 6 ( x − 1) − i  ( x − 1) + i  = 0

(  )
⇒ x2 − 5x + 6 ( x − 1) − i 2  = 0
2

( )(
⇒ x2− 5x + 6 x2 − 2 x + 1 + 1 = 0 )

(
⇒ x2 − 5x + 6 )(x 2
)
− 2x + 2 = 0

⇒ x 4 − 5 x 3 + 6 x 2 − 2 x3 + 10 x 2 − 12 x + 2 x 2 − 10 x + 12 = 0

⇒ x 4 − 7 x3 + 18 x 2 − 22 x + 12 = 0

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(iii) 1 + i , 1 − i, − 1 + i, − 1 − i

Sol: Required equation is  x − (1 + i )  x − (1 − i ) 

 x − ( −1 + i )   x − ( −1 − i )  = 0

⇒ ( x − 1) − i  ( x − 1) + i 

( x + 1) − i  ( x + 1) + I  = 0

⇒ ( x − 1) − i 2  ( x + 1) − i 2  = 0
2 2

  

( )(
⇒ x2 − 2 x + 1 + 1 x2 + 2 x + 1 + 1 = 0 )

( )(
⇒ x2 − 2 x + 2 x2 + 2 x + 2 = 0 )
⇒ x 4 − 2 x 3 + 2 x 2 + 2 x3 − 4 x 2 + 4 x + 2 x 2 − 4 x + 4 = 0

⇒ x4 + 4 = 0

(iv) 1 + i , 1 − i, 1 + i , 1 − i

Sol: Required equation is  x − (1 + i )  x − (1 − i ) 

 x − (1 + i )   x − (1 − i )  = 0

⇒ ( x − 1) − i  ( x − 1) + i  = 0
2 2

⇒ ( x − 1) − i 2  = 0
2

 

( )
2
⇒ x2 − 2 x + 1 + =0

⇒ x4 + 4 x2 + 4 − 4 x3 + 4 x2 − 8 x = 0

⇒ x4 − 4 x3 + 8 x2 − 8x + 4 = 0

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14. Form the polynomial equation with rational coefficients whose roots are

(i) 4 3, 5 + 2i

Sol: For the polynomial equation with rational coefficients. The roots are conjugate surds and
conjugate complex numbers

(i) 4 3, 5 + 2i

Let α = 4 3 then β = − 4 3 , and

γ + 5 + 2i then δ = 5 − 2i

α , β , γ , δ are the roots

α + β = 0, αβ = − 48

γ + δ = 10, γδ = 25 + 4 = 29

The required equations is,

 x 2 − (α + β ) x + αβ   x 2 = ( γ + δ ) x + γδ  = 0

( )(
⇒ x 2 − 48 x 2 − 10 x + 29 = 0 )
⇒ x 4 − 10 x 3 + 29 x 2 − 48 x 2 + 480 x − 132 = 0

i.e., x 4 − 10 x3 − 19 x 2 + 480 x − 1932 = 0

(ii) 1 + 5i , 5 − i

Sol: For the polynomial equation with rational coefficients. The roots are conjugate surds and
conjugate complex numbers.

Let α = 1 + 5i then β = 1 = 5i ,

And γ = 5 + i then δ = 5 − i ,

α + β = 2, αβ = 26

γ + δ = 10, γδ = 26

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The required equation is

 x 2 − (α + β ) x + αβ   x 2 − ( γ + δ ) x + γδ  = 0

( )(
⇒ x 2 − 2 x + 26 x 2 − 10 x + 26 = 0 )
⇒ x 4 − 12 x3 + 72 x 2 − 312 x + 676 = 0

(iii) i− 5

Sol: For the polynomial equation with rational coefficients. The roots are conjugate surds and
conjugate complex numbers.

Let α = i − 5, β = i + 5

γ = i − 5, δ = − i + 5 are the roots

α + β = 2i, αβ = − 6

γ + δ = − 2i , γδ = − 6

The required equation is

 x 2 − (α + β ) x + αβ   x 2 − ( γ + δ ) x + γδ  = 0

( )(
⇒ x 2 − 2ix − 6 x 2 + 2ix − 6 = 0 )

( ) ( )
⇒  x 2 − 6 − 2ix   x 2 − 6 + 2ix  = 0

( )
2
⇒ x2 − 6 + 4 x2 = 0

⇒ x 4 + 36 − 12 x 2 + 4 x 2 = 0

⇒ x 4 − 8 x 2 + 36 = 0

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(iv) − 3+i 2

Sol: Let α = − 3 + i 2, β = − 3 − i 2

γ = 3 − i 2, δ = 3 + i 2

( ) ( )
2 2
α + β = − 2 3, αβ = − 3 − i 2

= 3 = i 2 ( 2) = 5

γ + δ = 2 3, γδ = 5

The required equation is

( x − (α + β ) x + αβ ) ( x − (γ + δ ) x + γδ ) = 0
2 2

(
⇒ x2 + 2 3x + 5 ) (x 2
− 2 3x + 5 = 0 )

( ) ( )
2 2
⇒ x2 + 5 − 2 3x =0

⇒ x 4 + 25 + 10 x 2 − 12 x 2 = 0

⇒ x 4 − 2 x 2 + 25 = 0

15. Find the algebraic equation whose roots are 3 times the roots of x3 + 2 x 2 − 4 x + 1 = 0

Sol: Given equation is f ( x ) = x3 + 2 x2 − 4 x + 1 = 0

We require an equation whose roots are 3 times the roots of f ( x ) = 0

 x
i.e., Required equation is f   = 0
3

3 2
 x x 4x
  + 2  − +1= 0
3 3 3

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x3 2 2 4
+ x − x +1= 0
27 9 3

Multiplying with 27, required equation is x3— 36x+27=0

16. Find the algebraic equation whose roots are 2 times the roots of

x5 − 2 x 4 + 3x3 − 2 x 2 + 4 x + 3 = 0

Sol: Given equation is

f ( x ) = x 5 − 2 x 4 + 3x3 − 2 x 2 + 4 x + 3 = 0

We require an equation whose roots are 2 times the roots of f ( x ) = 0

 x
Required equation is f   = 0
2

5 4 2
x  x x  x x
⇒   − 2  + 3  − 2  + 4  + 3 = 0
2 2 2 2 2

x5 x4 x3 x2 x
⇒ − 2 + 3. − 2. + 4. + 3 = 0
32 16 8 4 2

Multiplying with 32, required equation is

⇒ x 2 − 4 x 4 + 12 x3 − 16 x 2 + 64 x + 96 = 0

17. Find the transformed equation whose roots are the negative of the roots of
x 4 + 5 x3 + 11x + 3 = 0

Sol: Given f ( x ) = x4 + 5x3 + 11x + 3 = 0

We want an equation whose roots are

−α1 , − α 2 , − α 3 , − α 4

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Required equation f ( − x ) = 0

⇒ ( − x ) + 5 ( − x ) + 11( − x ) + 3 = 0
4 3

⇒ x 4 − 5 x 3 − 11x + 3 = 0

18. Find the transformed equation whose roots are the negative of the roots of

x 7 + 3x5 + x3 − x 2 + 7 x + 2 = 0

Sol: Given f ( x ) = x7 + 3x5 + x3 − x2 + 7 x + 2 = 0

We want an equation whose roots are

−α1 , − α 2 ,....... − α n

Required equation is f ( − x ) = 0

( −x) + 3( − x ) + ( −x ) − ( − x ) + 7 ( −x ) + 2 = 0
7 5 3 2

⇒ − x 7 + − 3x3 − x 2 − 7 x + 2 = 0

⇒ x 7 + 3x5 + x3 + x 2 + 7 x − 2 = 0

19. Find the polynomial equation whose roots are the reciprocals of the roots of

x 4 − 3x 3 + 7 x 2 + 5 x − 2 = 0

Sol: Given equation is f ( x )

x5 + 11x 4 + x3 + 4 x 2 − 13 x + 6 + 0

1
Required equation is f   = 0
 x

1 11 1 4 13
5
+ 4 + 3 + 2 − +6=0
x x x x x
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Multiplying by x 5

⇒ 1 + 11x + x 2 + 4 x 3 − 13 x 4 + 6 x 5 = 0

i.e., 6 x 5 − 13x 4 + 4 x3 + x 2 + 11x + 1 = 0

20. Form the polynomial equation of degree 3 whose roots are 2, 3 and 6.

Sol: The required polynomial equation is

( x − )( x − 3) ( x − 6) = 0

⇒ x 3 − 11x 2 + 36 x − 36 = 0

21. Find the relation between the roots and the coefficient of the cubic equation

3 x 2 − 10 x 2 + 7 x + 10 = 0

Sol; 3 x3 − 10 x 2 + 7 x + 10 = 0 --------- (1)

On comparing (1) with

ax 3 + bx 2 + cx + d = 0

We have

−b − ( −10 ) 10
∑α= a
=
3
=
3

c 7
∑ αβ = =
a 3

−d −10
And αβγ = =
a 3

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22. Write down the relations between the roots and the coefficients of the bi-quadratic

equation x 4 − 2 x3 + 4 x 2 + 6 x − 21 = 0

Sol: Given equation is

x 4 − 2 x3 + 4 x 2 + 6 x − 21 = 0 -------- (1)

On comparing (1) with

ax 3 + bx3 + cx 2 + dx + c = 0

We have

a = 1, b = − 2, c = 4,d = 6, e = − 21

−b − ( −2 )
∑ α= a
=
1
=2

c 4
∑ αβ = = =4
a 1

−d
∑ αβγ =
a
= −6

e
And αβγδ = = − 21
a

23. If 1, 2, 3 and 4 are the roots of x 4 + ax3 + bx 2 + cx + d = 0 , then find the values of

a , b, c and d

Sol: Given that the roots of the given equation are 1, 2, 3 and 4 then

x 4 + ax3 + bx 2 + cx + d

= ( x − 1)( x − 2)( x − 3)( x − 4) = 0

(
= x 4 − 10 x3 + 35 x 2 − 50 x + 24 = 0 )
On equating the coefficients of like of powers of x, we obtain
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a = − 10, b = 35, c = − 50, d = 24

1 1 1
24. If a, b, c are the roots of x 3 − px 2 + qx − r = 0 and r ≠ 0 , then find 2
+ 2+ 2
a b c

Sol: Given that a, b, c are the roots of

x 3 − px 2 + qx − r = 0 , then

a + b + c = p , ab + bc + ca = q , abc = r

1 1 1 b 2 c 2 + a 2 c 2 + a 2b 2
Now + + =
a2 b2 c2 a 2b 2c 2

( ab + bc + ca ) − 2abc ( a + b + c )
2

= 2 2 2
abc

q 2 − 2 pr
=
r2

25. If α , β , γ are roots of the equations x3 − 10 x 2 + 6 x − 8 = 0 find α 2 + β 2 + γ 2

Sol: Given α , β , γ are the roots of the equation x3 − 10 x 2 + 6 x − 8 = 0

α + β + γ = 10, αβ + βγ + γα = 6, αβγ = 8

Now α 2 + β 2 + γ 2 = (α + β + γ ) = − 2 (αβ + βγ + γα )
2

= 100 − 12

∴α 2 + β 2 + γ 2 = 88

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26. Find the sum of the squares and the sum of the cubes of the roots of the equation

x 3 − px 2 + qx − r = 0

Sol: Let α , β , γ be the roots of the given equation then α + β + γ = p , αβ + βγ + γα = q , αβγ = r

Sum of the squares of the roots is α 2 + β 2 + γ 2 = (α + β + γ ) − 2 (αβ + βγ + γα ) = p 2 − 2q

2

Sum of the cubes of the roots is

α 3+ β 3 + γ 3 = (α + β + γ ) (α 2 + β 2 + γ 2 − αβ − βγ − γα ) + 3αβγ

(
= p p 2 − 2q − q + 3r )

(
= p p 2 − 3q + 3r )

27. Obtain the cubic equation, whose roots are the squares of the roots of the equations,
x3 + p1 x 2 + p2 x + p3 = 0

Sol: The required equation is f ( x )=0

( x) ( x) ( x) + p
3 2
⇒ + p1 + p2 3 =0

⇒ x x + p1 x + p2 ( x) + p 3 =0

⇒ x ( x + p2 ) = − ( p1 x + p3 )

Squaring on both sides

⇒ x ( x + p2 ) = ( p1 x + p3 )
2 2

( )
⇒ x x 2 + p22 + 2 p2 x = p12 x 2 + p3 + 2 p1 p3 x
2

⇒ x3 + p2 x + 2 p2 x2 − p1 x2 − p3 − 2 p1 p3 x = 0
2 2 2

( ) (
∴ x 2 + 2 p2 − p12 x 2 + p22 − 2 p1 p3 x − p32 = 0 )
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28. Let α , β , γ be the roots of x 3 + px 2 + qx + r = 0 . Then find the following, α + β + γ = − p ,

αβ + βγ + γα = q , αβγ = − r

(i) ∑α 2

Sol: ∑α 2
=α2 + β2 + γ 2

= (α + β + γ ) − 2 (αβ + βγ + γα )
2

= p 2 − 2q

1
(ii) ∑ α

1 1 1 βγ + γα + αβ −q
Sol: + + = =
α β γ αβγ r

(iii) ∑α 3

Sol: ∑α 3
=α3 + β3 + γ 3

(
= (α + β + γ ) α 2 + β 2 + γ 2 − αβ − γα + 3αβ )

(
= ( − p ) p 2 − 2q − q − 3r )

(
= − p p 2 − 3q − 3r )
∴ ∑ α 3 = − p3 + 3 pq − 3r = 3 pq − p3 − 3r

(iv) ∑ β 2γ 2

Sol: ∑βγ 2 2
= β 2γ 2 + γ 2α 2 + α 2 β 2

= ( βγ + γα + αβ ) − 2αβγ (α + β + γ )
2

= q 2 − 2 ( −r ) ( − p )

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= q 2 − 2 pr

(v) (α + β ) ( β + γ )(γ + α )

Sol: We know α + β + γ = − p

⇒γ +α = − p − β

∴(α + β )( β + γ ) ( γ + α )

= ( − p − γ ) ( − p − α ) ( − p, − β )

= − p3 − p 2 (α + β + γ ) − p (αβ + βγ + γα ) − αβγ

= − p 3 + p 3 − pq + r = r − pq

29. Let α , β , γ be the roots of x3 + ax 2 + bx + c = 0 then find ∑αβγ

2 2 2
+ ∑ αβ 2

Sol: Since α , β , γ are roots of the given equation, we have

α + β + γ = − a , αβ + βγ + γα = b , αβγ = − c

Now ∑ α β + ∑ αβ = ∑ αβ (α + β )
2 2

= ∑ αβ ( −a − γ )

= − a∑ αβ − ∑ αβγ

= − a (αβ + βγ + γα ) − 3αβγ

= − a ( + b ) + 3c

= 3c − ab

∴ ∑ α 2 β + ∑ αβ 2 = 3c − ab

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30. Form the polynomial equation of degree 4 whose roots we 4 + 3, 4 − 3, 2 + i and 2 − i

Sol: The equation having roots 4 + 3, 4 − 3 is

x 2 − 8 x + 13 = 0

The equation having roots 2 + i , 2 − i is

x2 − 4 x + 5 = 0

The required equation is

(x 2
)( )
− 8 x + 13 x 2 − 4 x + 5 = 0

∴ x 4 − 12 x 3 + 50 x 2 − 92 x + 65 = 0

Short Answer Questions

1. If α , β and 1 are the roots of x3 − 2 x 2 − 5 x + 6 = 0, then find α and β

Sol: α , β and 1 are the roots of

x3 − 2 x 2 − 5 x + 6 = 0

Sum α + β + 1 = 2 ⇒ α + β = 1

Product = αβ = − 6

(α − β ) = (α + β ) − 4αβ
2 2

= 1 + 24 = 25

α −β =5

α + β =1

Adding 2α = 6 ⇒ α = 3

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α + β = 1 ⇒ β = 1 − α = 1 − 3 = −2

∴ α = 3 and β = −2

2. If α , β and γ are the roots of x3 − 2 x 2 + 3 x − 4 = 0, then find

(i) ∑α 2
β2 (ii) ∑α β + ∑αβ
2 2

Sol: Since α , β , γ are the roots of

x 3 − 2 x 2 + 3 x − 4 = 0 then α + β + γ = 2

αβ + βγ + γα = 3

αβγ = 4

(i) ∑α β2 2
= α 2 β 2 + β 2γ 2 + γ 2α 2

= (αβ + βγ + γα ) − 2αβγ (α + β + γ )
2

= 9 − 2.2.4 = 9 −16 = −7

(ii) ∑α β = α β + β γ + γ α + αβ
2 2 2 2 2
+ βγ 2 + γα 2

= (αβ + βγ + γα )(α + β + γ ) − 3αβγ

2.3 − 3.4 = 6 −12 = −6.

3. If α , β and γ are the roots of x 3 + px 2 + qx + r = 0, then find the following.

Sol: α , β and γ are the roots of x3 + px 2 + qx + r = 0.

α + β + γ = − p.

αβ + βγ + γα = q

αβγ = − r

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1
(i) ∑α 2
β2

1 1 1 1
Sol: ∑α 2
β 2
=
α β
2 2
+
β γ 2 2
+
γ α2
2

α2 + β2 + γ 2
α2 + β2 + γ 2

(α + β + γ ) − 2 (αβ + βγ + γα )
2

=
(αβγ )
2

( − p ) − 2q =
2
p 2 − 2q
=
( −r )
2
r2

β 2 +γ 2 γ 2 +α2 α 2 + β 2 β2 +γ 2
(ii)
βγ
+
γα
+
αβ
or ∑ βγ

β 2 +γ 2 β 2 +γ 2 γ 2 +α2 α 2 + β 2
Sol: ∑ βγ
=
βγ
+
γα
+
αβ

αβ 2 + αγ 2 + γ 2 β + α 2 β + α 2γ + β 2γ
=
αβγ

=
(αβ + βγ + γα )(α + β + γ ) − 3αβγ
αβγ

− pq + 3r pq − 3r
= =
−r r

(iii) ( β + γ − 3α )( γ + α − 3β )(α + β − 3γ )

Sol: ( β + γ − 3α )( γ + α − 3β )(α + β − 3γ )

= (α + β + γ − 4α )(α + β + γ − 4β )(α + β + γ − 4γ )

= ( − p − 4α )( − p − 4β )( − p − 4γ )

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= − ( p + 4α )( p + 4β )( p + 4γ )

= − ( p3 + 4 p 2 ) (α + β + γ ) + 16 p (αβ + βγ + γα ) + ( 64αβγ )

= − ( p3 − 4 p3 + 16 pq − 64r )

= 3 p 3 − 16 pq + 64r

(iv) ∑α β
3 3

Sol: ∑α β 3 3
= α 3 β 3 + β 3γ 3 + γ 3α 3

(αβ + βγ + γα ) = α 2 β 2 + β 2γ 2 + γ 2α 2 + 2αβγ (α + β + γ )
2

q 2 = α 2 β 2 + β 2γ 2 + γ 2α 2 + 2 pr

α 2 β 2 + β 2γ 2 + γ 2α 2 = q 2 − 2 pr

∴α 3 β 3 + β 3γ 3 + γ 3α 3 = (α 2 β 2 + β 2γ 2 + γ 2α 2 ) (αβ + βγ + γα ) − αβγ ∑ α 2 β

= ( q 2 − 2 pr ) .q + r (αβ + βγ + γα )(α + β + γ ) − 3αβγ 

= q3 − 2 pqr + r ( − pq + 3r )

= q 3 − 2 pqr − pqr + 3r 2 = q 3 − 3 pqr + 3r 2

4. Solve 9 x 3 − 15 x 2 + 7 x − 1 = 0, given that two of its roots are equal.

Sol: Suppose α , β , γ are the roots of

9 x 3 − 15 x 2 + 7 x − 1 = 0

15 5
α + β +γ = =
9 3

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7
αβ + βγ + γα =
9

1
αβγ =
9

Given α = β (∵ two its roots are equal)

5 5
2α + γ = ⇒ γ = − 2α
3 3

7
α 2 + 2αγ =
9

5  7
⇒ α 2 + 2α  − 2α  =
3  9

2α ( 5 − 6α ) 7
⇒α2 + =
3 9

⇒ 9α 2 + 6α ( 5 − 6α ) = 7

9α 2 + 30α − 36α 2 = 7

⇒ 27α 2 − 30α + 7 = 0

⇒ ( 3α −1)( 9α − 7 ) = 0

1 7
⇒α = or
3 9

1
Case (i) α =
3

5 5 2
γ = − 2α = − = 1
3 3 3

1 1
The roots are , ,1
3 3

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7
Case (ii) α =
9

5 5 14 1
γ = − 2α = − =
3 3 9 9

7 7 1 1
αβγ = . . ≠ ⇒ Does not satisfy the given equation.
9 9 9 9

1 1
The roots are , ,1
3 3

5.Given that one root of 2 x 3 + 3 x 2 − 8 x + 3 = 0 is double of another root, find the roots of the

equation.

Sol: Suppose α , β , γ are the roots of 2 x 3 + 3 x 2 − 8 x + 3 = 0

3
α + β +γ = − (1)
2

αβ + βγ + γα = −4 (1)

3
αβγ = −
2

Given α = 2 β (∵ one root is double the other substituting in (1)

3 3
3β + γ = − ⇒ γ = − − 3β ( 4)
2 2

Substituting in (2)

αβ + γ (α + β ) = −4

⇒ 2 β 2 + 3βγ = −4

 3 
⇒ 2β 2 + 3β  − − 3β  = −4
 2 

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3β ( 3 + 6 β )
⇒ 2β 2 − = −4
2

⇒ 4 β 2 − 9 β − 18β 2 = −8

⇒ 14 β 2 + 9 β − 8 = 0

⇒ ( 2β −1)( 7β + 8) = 0

⇒ 2 β − 1 = 0 or 7 β + 8 = 0

1 8
⇒β = or β = −
2 7

1
Case (i) β =
2

1
α = 2β = 2 × = 1
2

3 3 3
γ = − − 3β = − − = −3
2 2 2

1 3
αβγ = 1  ( −3) = −   is satisfied
2 2

1
The roots are 1, , − 3
2

8
Case (ii) β = −
7

16
α = 2β = −
7

3 3 48 75
γ = − − 3β = − + =
2 2 7 14

3
αβγ = − is not satisfied.
2

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1
∴ The roots are ,1 and −3
2

6. Solve x 3 − 9 x 2 + 14 x + 24 = 0 given that two of the roots are in the ratio 3: 2.

Sol: Suppose α , β , γ are the roots of x 3 − 9 x 2 + 14 x + 24 = 0

∴α + β + γ = 9 (1)

∴αβ + βγ + γα = 14 (1)

αβγ = −24 (1)

∵ two roots are in the ratio 3: 2

2α
Let α : β = 3 : 2 ⇒ β =
3

Substituting in (1)

5α 5α
+γ = 9 ⇒γ = 9− ( 4)
3 3

Substituting in (2)

2
⇒ α 2 + γ (α + β ) = 14
3

2  5α  5α
⇒ α 2 + 9 − . = 14
3  3  3

 5α 
⇒ 2α 2 + 5α  9 −  = 42
 3 

⇒ 6α 2 + 135α − 25α 2 = 126

⇒ 19α 2 − 135α + 126 = 0

⇒ 19α 2 − 114α − 21α + 126 = 0

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⇒ 19α (α − 6 ) − 21(α − 6 ) = 0

⇒ (19α − 21)(α − 6) = 0

⇒ 19α − 21 = 0 or α − 6 = 0

21
α= or α = 6
19

Case (i) α = 6

2α 2
β= = .6 = 4
3 3

5α 5
γ = 9− = 9 − .6 = 9 − 10 = −1
3 3

α = 6, β = 4, γ = − 1 Satisfy αβγ = −24

∴ The roots are 6, 4, − 1

21
Case (ii) α =
19

2 21 14
β= × =
3 19 19

5α 5 21
γ = 9− = 9− .
3 3 19

35 171 − 35 136
= 9− = =
19 19 19

These values do not satisfy αβγ = −24

∴ The roots are 6, 4, − 1

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7. Solve the following equations, given that the roots of each are in A.P.

(i) 8 x 3 − 36 x 2 − 18 x + 81 = 0

Sol: Given the roots of 8 x 3 − 36 x 2 − 18 x + 81 = 0 are in A.P.

Let the roots be a − d , a , a + d

Sum of the roots = a − d , a , a + d

36 9
= =
8 2

9 3
i.e.,3a = ⇒a=
2 2

 3
∴ x −  is a factor of 8 x 3 − 36 x 2 − 14 x + 81 = 0
 2

3/2 8 -36 -18 81

- 12 -36 -81

8 -24 -54 0

⇒ 8 x 2 − 24 x − 54 = 0

⇒ 4 x 2 − 12 x − 27 = 0

⇒ 4 x 2 − 18 x + 6 x − 27 = 0

⇒ 2 x ( 2 x − 9) + 3 ( 2 x − 9) = 0

⇒ ( 2 x + 3)( 2 x − 9 ) = 0

3 9
⇒x=− ,
2 2

3 3 9
The roots are − , ,
2 2 2

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(ii) x 3 − 3 x 2 − 6 x + 8 = 0

Sol: The roots of x 3 − 3 x 2 − 6 x + 8 = 0 are in A.P.

Suppose a − d , a , a + d be the roots

Sum = a − d + a + a + d = 3

3a = 3

⇒ a =1

∴( x − 1) is a factor of x 3 − 3 x 2 − 6 x + 8 = 0

1 1 -3 -6 8
- 1 -2 -8

1 -2 -8 0

⇒ x2 − 2x − 8 = 0

⇒ x2 − 4x + 2x − 8 = 0

⇒ x ( x − 4 ) + 2 ( x − 4) = 0

⇒ ( x − 4 )( x + 2) = 0.

⇒ x = 4, − 2

∴ The roots are −2,1, 4.

8. Solve the following equations, given that the roots each are in G.P.

(i) 3 x 2 − 26 x 2 + 52 x − 24 = 0

Sol: Given equation is 3 x 3 − 26 x 2 + 52 x − 24 = 0

The roots are in G.P.

a
Suppose , a, ar are the roots
r
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a
Product = .a.ar are the roots.
r

a  24 
Product .a.ar =  − 
r  3 

a3 = 8 ⇒ a = 2

∴( x − 2 ) is a factor of 3 x 3 − 26 x 2 + 52 x − 24

2 3 -26 52 -24
0 6 -40 -24

3 -20 12 0

H int : 3 ×12
= 3× 6 × 2
= (18 )( −2 )

⇒ 3 x 2 − 20 x + 12 = 0

⇒ 3 x 2 − 18 x − 2 x + 12 = 0

⇒ 3x ( x − 6) − 2 ( x − 6) = 0

⇒ ( 3x − 2 )( x − 6 ) = 0

2
⇒ x = ,6
3

2
∴ The roots are , 2, 6.
3

(ii) 54 x 3 − 39 x 2 − 26 x + 16 = 0

Sol: Given equation is 54 x 2 − 39 x 2 − 26 x + 16 = 0

The roots are in G.P.

a
Suppose , a, ar be the roots
r

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a 16
Product = , a, ar = −
r 54

−8  2 
3
2
a =
3
= −  ⇒ a = −
27  3  3

2
∴x + is a factor of 54 x 3 − 39 x 2 + 26 x + 16
3

-2/3 54 -39 -26 16

0 -36 50 -16

54 -36 24 0

H int :18 × 8
= 9× 2×8
= ( −9 )( −16 )

⇒ 54 x 2 − 75 x + 24 = 0

⇒ 18 x 2 − 25 x + 8 = 0

⇒ 18 x 2 − 9 x − 16 x + 8 = 0

⇒ 9 x ( 2 x − 1) − 8 ( 2 x − 1) = 0

⇒ ( 9 x − 8)( 2 x − 1) = 0

8 1
⇒x= ,
9 2

8 2 1
∴ The roots are ,− ,
9 3 2

9. Solve the following equations, given that the roots of each are in H.P.

(i) 6 x 3 − 11x 2 + 6 x − 1 = 0

Sol: Given equation is 6 x3 − 11x 2 + 6 x − 1 = 0 − − − (1)

1 6 11 6
Put y = so that 3 − 2 + − 1 = 0
x y y y
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6 − 11 y + 6 y 2 − y 3 = 0

y3 − 6 y 2 + 11y − 6 = 0 − − − − ( 2)

Roots of (1) are in H.P.

⇒ Roots of (2) are in A.P.

Let a − d , a , a + d be the roots of (2)

Sum = a − d + a + a + d = 6

3a = 6 ⇒ a = 2

Product = a ( a 2 − d 2 ) = 6

2(4 − d 2 ) = 6

4−d2 = 3

⇒ d 2 = 1, d = 1

a − d = 2 − 1 = 1, a = 2, a + d = 2 + 1 = 3

The roots of (2) are 1, 2, 3

1 1
The roots of (1) are 1, ,
2 3

(ii) 15 x 3 − 23 x 2 + 9 x − 1 = 0

Sol: Given equation is 15x3 − 23x2 + 9 x − 1 = 0 − − − − (1)

1 15 23 9
Put y = so that 3 − 2 + − 1 = 0
x y y y

15 − 23 y + 9 y 2 − y 3 = 0

(or) y3 − 9 y 2 + 23 y − 15 = 0 − − − ( 2)

Roots of (i) are in H.P. So that roots of (2) are in A.P.

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Let a − d , a , a + d be the roots of (2)

Sum = a − d + a + a + d = 9

3a = 9

a =3

Product = a ( a 2 − d 2 ) = 15

3 ( 9 − d 2 ) = 15

9−d2 = 5

d2 = 4⇒ d = 2

a − d = 3 − 2 = 1, a = 3

a + d = 3+ 2 = 5

Roots of (2) are 1, 3, 5

1 1
Hence roots of (1) are 1, ,
3 5

10. Solve the following equations, given that they have multiple roots.

(i) x 4 − 6 x 3 + 13 x 2 − 24 x + 36 = 0 (ii) 3 x 4 + 16 x 3 + 24 x 2 − 16 = 0

Sol: (i) Let f ( x ) = x4 − 6 x3 + 13x2 − 24x + 36

⇒ f ' ( x ) = 4 x3 − 18x2 + 26x − 24

⇒ f ' ( 3) = 4 ( 27 ) −18 ( 9) + 26 ( 3) − 24

= 108 −162 + 78 − 24 = 0

f ( 3) = 81 − 162 + 117 − 72 + 36 = 0

∴ x − 3 is a factor of f ' ( x ) and f ( x )

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∴ 3 is the repeated root of f ( x )

x 2 + 4 = 0 ⇒ x = ±2i

∴ The roots of the given equation are 3, 3, ± 2i

(ii) 3 x 4 + 16 x 3 + 24 x 2 − 16 = 0

Sol: Let f ( x ) = 3x4 + 16 x3 + 24 x 2 − 16

f ' ( x ) = 12 x3 + 48x 2 + 48x

= 12 x ( x 2 + 4 x + 4 )

12 x ( x + 2 )
2

f ' ( −2) = 0

f ( −2) = 3 (16) + 16 ( −8) + 24 ( 4 ) − 16 = 0

∴ x + 2 is a factor of f ' ( x ) and f ( x )

∴ − 2 is a multiple root of f ( x ) = 0

3x3 + 4 x − 4 = 0 ⇒ 3 x 2 + 6 x − 2 x − 4 = 0

⇒ 3x ( x + 2 ) − 2 ( x + 2 ) = 0
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⇒ ( x + 2)( 3x − 2) = 0

2
⇒ x = − 2,
3

∴ The roots of the given equation are

2
−2, − 2, − 2,
3

10. Solve the equation x 4 + 2 x 3 − 5 x 2 + 6 x + 2 = 0 given that 1 + i is one of its roots

Sol: Let 1 + i is one root ⇒ 1 − i is another root

The equation having roots

1 ± i is x 2 − 2 x + 2 = 0

∴ x 2 − 2 x + 2 is a factor is

x4 + 2 x3 − 5 x 2 + 6 x + 2 = 0

x2 + 4 x + 1 = 0 ⇒

−4 ± 16 − 4 −4 ± 2 3
x= =
2 2

x = − 2± 3

∴ The roots of the given equations are

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1 ± i, − 2 + 3

11. Solve the equation 3x 3 − 4 x 2 + x + 88 = 0 which has 2− −7 as a roots

Sol: Let 2 − −7 ( i.e., ) 2 − 7i is one root ⇒ 2 + 7i is another root. The equation having roots

2 ± 7 is x 2 − 4 x + 11 = 0

∴ x 2 − 4 x + 11 is a factor of the given equation

8
3x + 8 = 0 ⇒ x = −
3

∴ The roots of the given equation are

8
2 ± 7, i −
3

12. Solve x 3 − 4 x 2 + 8 x + 35 = 0 , given that 2 + i 3 is a root

Sol: Let 2 + i 3 is one root ⇒ 2 − i 3 is another root

The equation having roots

2 ± i 3 is x 2 − 4 x + 7 = 0

∴ x 2 − 4 x + 7 is a factor of

x 4 − 4 x 2 + 8 x + 35

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−4 ± 16 − 20
x2 + 4x + 5 = 0 ⇒ =
2

−4 ± 2i
= =−2±i
2

∴ The roots of the given equation are

2 ± i 3, − 2 ± i

13. Solve the equation x 4 − 6 x3 + 11x 2 − 10 x + 2 = 0 , given that 2 + 3 is a root of the equation

Sol: 2 + 3 is one root ⇒ 2 − 3 is another root. The equation having the roots of

2 ± 3 is x 2 − 4 x + 1 = 0

∴ x 2 − 4 x + 1 is factor of

x 4 − 6 x3 + 11x 2 − 10 x + 2= 0

x2 − 2 x + 2 = 0 ⇒

2 ± 4 − 8 2 ± 2i
x= = =1± i
2 2

∴ The roots of the required equation are 2 ± 3, 1 ± i

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14. Given that −2 + −7 is a root of the equation x 4 + 2 x 2 − 16 x + 77 = 0 , solve it completely

Sol: −2 − −7 ( i.e ) − 2 + i 7 is one root ⇒ − 2 + i 7 is another root. The equation having the roots

of −2 ± i 7 is x 2 + 4 x + 11 = 0

∴ x 2 + 4 x + 11 is a factor of

x 4 + 2 x 2 − 16 x + 77

x2 − 4 x + 7 = 0

4 ± 16 − 28 4 ± 2 3i
x= =
2 2

= 2 ± 3i

∴ The roots of the required equation are

−2 ± i 7, 2 ± 3i

15 Solve the equation x 4 − 9 x 3 + 27 x 2 − 29 x + 6 = 0 , given that one root of it 2 − 3

Sol: 2 − 3 is one root ⇒ 2 + 3 is another root .

The equation having the roots of 2 ± 3 is x 2 − 4 x + 1 = 0

∴ x 2 − 4 x + 1 is a factor of the given equation

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x2 − 5x + 6 = 0 ⇒ ( x − 2) ( x − 3) = 0

x = 2, 3

∴ The roots of the required equation are 2 ± 3, 2, 3

a2 b2 x2 k2
16. Show that the equation + + + ...... + =x−m
x −a ' x − b ' x − c ' x−k'

Where a, b, c.....k, m, a’ b’, c’.....k’ are all real numbers, cannot have a non-real root.

Sol: Let α + i β be a root of the given equation. Suppose if β ≠ 0 , then α − i β is also root of the
given equation.

Substitute α + i β in the given equation, we get

a2 b2 k2
+ + ....... +
α + iβ − a ' α + iβ − b ' α + iβ − k '

= α + iβ − m

a 2 (α − a ' ) − β  b 2 (α − b ' ) − i β  k 2 (α − k ' ) − i β 

⇒ + + ...... + = α + i β − m ---------(1)
(α − a ' ) + β2 (α − b ' ) + β2 (α − k ' ) + β h2
2 2 2

Substitute α − i β in the given equation, we get

a2 b2 k2
+ + ........... +
α − iβ − a ' α − iβ − b ' α − iβ − k '

= α − iβ − m

a 2 (α − a ' ) + i β  b 2 (α − b ') + i β  k 2 (α − k ' ) + i β 

⇒ + + ....... + = α − i β − m --------------- (2)
(α − a ' ) + β2 (α − b ' ) + β2 (α − k ' ) +β
2 2 2

(2) − (1) ⇒ 2i β

 a2 b2 k2 
 + + ......... + 
 (α − a ') + β 2 (α − b ') + β 2 (α − k ') + β 2 
2 2 2

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= − 2i β

⇒ 2i β

 a2 b2 k2 
 + + ..... + 1
 (α −a ') + β 2 (α − b ') + β 2 (α − k ') + β 2 
2 2 2

=0

⇒β =0

This is a contradiction

∴ The given equation cannot have non-real roots.

17. Find the polynomial equation whose roots are the squares of the roots of
x 4 + x3 + 2 x 2 + x + 1 = 0

Sol: Given equation is

f ( x ) = x 4 + x3 + 2 x 2 + x + 1 = 0

Required equation f ( x) = 0
⇒ x2 + x x + 2 x + x + 1 = 0

(
= x ( x + 1)= − x 2 + 2 x + 1 )
Squaring both sides,

(
⇒ x ( x + 1) = x 2 + 2 x + 1 )
2 2

(
⇒ x x2 + 2 x + 1 )
= x4 + 4 x 2 + 1 + 4 x3 + 4 x + 2 x2

⇒ x3 + 2 x 2 + x = x 4 + 4 x3 + 6 x 2 + 4 x + 1

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i.e., x 4 + 3 x3 + 4 x 2 + 3x + 1 = 0

18. Form the polynomial equation whose roots are the squares of the roots of
x3 + 3x2 − 7 x + 6 = 0

Sol: Given equation is

f ( x ) = x 3 + 3x 2 − 7 x + 6 = 0

Required equations is f ( x) = 0
⇒ x x + 3x − 7 x + 6 = 0

⇒ x ( x − 7 ) = − ( 3x + 6 )

Squaring on both sides

⇒ x ( x − 7 ) = ( 3x + 6 )
2 2

( )
⇒ x x 2 − 14 x + 49 = 9 x 2 + 36 + 36 x

⇒ x 3 − 14 x 2 + 49 x − 9 x 2 − 36 x − 36 = 0

i.e., x3 − 23 x 2 + 13 x − 36 = 0

19. Form the polynomial equation whose roots are cubes of the roots of x3 + 3x 2 + 2 = 0

Sol: Given equation is x 3 + 3x 2 + 2 = 0

Put y = x 2 so that x = y1/ 3

∴ y + 3 y2/ 3 + 2 = 0

3 y 2/ 3 = − ( y + 2)

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Cubing on both sides, 27 y 2 = − ( y + 2 )

3

(
= − y 3 + 6 y 2 + 12 y + 8 )
∴ y 3 + 6 y 2 + 12 y + 8 = 0

⇒ y 3 + 33 y 2 + 12 y + 8 = 0

Required equation is x3 + 33x 2 + 12 x + 8 = 0

20. Solve x3 − 3x 2 − 16 x + 48 = 0

Sol: Let f ( x ) = x3 − 3x2 − 16 x + 48

By inspection, f ( 3) = 0

Hence 3 is a root of f ( x ) = 0

Now we divide f ( x ) by ( x − 3)

∴ x2 − 16 = 0 ⇒ ( x − 4) ( x + 4) = 0

⇒ x = − 4, 4

∴ The roots are − 4, 3, 4

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21. Find the roots of x 4 − 16 x3 + 86 x 2 − 176 x + 105 = 0

Sol: Let f ( x ) = x4 − 16 x3 + 86 x 2 − 176 x + 105

Now, if (1) = 1 − 16 + 86 − 176 + 105 = 0

∴ 1 is a root of f ( x ) = 0

⇒ x − 1 is a factor of f ( x )

(
∴ f ( x ) = ( x − 1) x3 − 15 x 2 + 71x − 105 )
= ( x − 1) g ( x ) where

g ( x ) = x3 − 15x2 + 71x − 105

g (1) = 1 − 15 + 71 − 105 = − 48 ≠ 0

g ( 2) = − 15 ≠ 0

g ( 3) = 27 − 135 + 213 − 105 = 0

∴ 3 is a root of g ( x ) = 0

⇒ x − 3 is a factor of g ( x )

(
∴ g ( x ) = ( x − 3) x 2 − 12 x + 35 )
= ( x − 3) ( x − 5)( x − 7 )

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∴ f ( x ) = ( x − 1)( x − 3)( x − 5) ( x − 7 )

∴1, 3, 5, 7 are the roots of f ( x ) = 0

22. Solve x3 − 7 x 2 + 36 = 0 , given one root being twice the other

Sol: Let α , β , γ be the root of the equation

x3 − 7 x 2 + 36 = 0 and

Let β = 2α

Now we have α + β + γ = 7

⇒ 3α + γ = 7 ------------- (1)

αβ + βγ + γα = 0

⇒ 2α 2 + 3αγ = 0 ------------- (2)

αβγ = − 36 ⇒ 2α 2γ = − 36 ---------- (3)

From (1) and (2), we have

2α 2 + 3α ( 7 − 3α ) = 0

i.e., α 2 − 3α = 0 ( or ) α (α − 3)= 0

∴ α = 0 or α = 3

Since α = 0 does not satisfy the given equation

∴ α = 3, so β = 6 and γ = − 2

∴ The roots are 3, 6, -2

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24. Given that 2 is a root of x3 − 6 x 2 + 3x + 10 = 0 , find the other roots

Sol: Let f ( x ) = x3 − 6 x 2 + 3x + 10

Since 2 is a root of f ( x ) = 0 , we divide f ( x ) by ( x − 2 )

(
∴ x3 − 6 x 2 + 3x + 10 = ( x − 2 ) x 2 − 4 x − 5 )
= ( x − 2)( x + 1)( x − 5)

∴ − 1, 2 and 5 are the roots of the given equation

25.Give that two roots of 4 x3 + 20 x 2 − 23x + 6 = 0 are equal, find all the roots of the given

equation

Sol: Let α , β , γ are the roots of 4 x3 + 20 x 2 − 23x + 6 = 0 -------1

Given two roots are equal, let α , β

−20
W have α + β + γ = = −5
4

⇒ 2α + γ = − 5

−23
⇒ αβ + βγ + γα =
4

−23
⇒ α 2 + 2αγ = ----------- (2)
4

−6 −3 −3
αβγ = = ⇒ α 2γ = ---------- (3)
4 2 2

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−23
From (1) and (2) α 2 + 2α ( −5 − 2α ) =
4

⇒ 12α 2 + 40α − 23 = 0

⇒ ( 2α − 1) ( 6α + 23) = 0

1 −23
α = ,α =
2 6

On verification, we get that

1
α= is a root of (1)
2

( 2) ⇒ γ = − 6

1 1
∴ Roots are , ,−6
2 2

26. Solve 4 x3 − 24 x 2 + 23x + 18 = 0 , given that the roots of this equation are in arithmetic

Progression

Sol: Let a − d , a a + d are the roots of the given equation

Now, sum of the roots

24
a −d + a + a + d =
4

3a = 6

a=2

−18
Product of the roots ( a − d ) a ( a + d ) =
4

( )
a a2 − d 2 = −
9
2

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(
2 4 − d2 = − ) 9
2

(
4 4 − d2 = −9)
16 − 4d 2 = − 9

4 d 2 = 25

5
d =±
2

1 9
∴ Roots are − , 2 and
2 2

27. If the roots of x3 + 3 px 2 + 3qx + r = 0 , are in geometric progression, find the condition

Sol: The roots are in GP

a
Suppose the roots be , a, aR
R

a
Given   ( a ) ( aR ) = − R
R

⇒ a3 = − 1

⇒ a = ( −r )
1/ 3

∵ ' a ' is a root of x + 3 px + 3qx + r = 0

3 2

( ) ( ) ( )
3 2
⇒ −r1/ 3 + 3 p −r1/ 3 + 3q −r1/ 3 + r = 0

⇒ − r + 3 pr 2 / 3 − 3qr1/ 3 + r = 0

pr 2 / 3 = qr1/ 3

⇒ pr 1/ 3 = q

⇒ p 3r = q is the required condition

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