The quadratic equation ax2+bx+c=0 has its roots in the interval [0,1]. Find the maximum of a(a−b+c)(a−b)(2a−b)
Solution
Let u,v be the roots of the quadratic equation ax2+bx+c=0 such that 0≤u≤v≤1. We have the relations b=−a(u+v) and c=uv. Therefore a(a−b+c)(a−b)(2a−b)=1+u+v+uv(1+u+v)(2+u+v)=2+1+vu+1+uv≤2+1+uu+1+u1=3 Clearly, when u=v=1, the equality holds. Thus, 3 is the maximum.
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Source: MathNet,
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