A number α is a root of the equation x3−12x+8=0. Prove that the number 2−α4 is also the root of this equation.
Solution
Set x=2−α4 in the left hand side of the given equation: (2−α4)3−12(2−α4)+8=8((1−α2)3−3(1−α2)+1)==8(1−α6+α212−α38−3+α6+1)=8(−1+α212−α38)==−α38(α3−12α+8)=0 since by the problem condition α3−12α+8=0. Therefore, the number 2−α4 is a root of the given equation.
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Source: MathNet,
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