Problem: Let a, b, and c be real constants such that x2+x+2 is a factor of ax3+bx2+cx+5, and 2x−1 is a factor of ax3+bx2+cx−1625. Find a+b+c.
Solution
Solution: 1145
Using long division, when ax3+bx2+cx+5 is divided by x2+x+2, the quotient is ax+(b−a) and the remainder is (c−a−b)x+5+2a−2b. Since x2+x+2 is a factor of ax3+bx2+cx+5, we must have c−a−b=0 and 5+2a−2b=0. On the other hand, since 2x−1 is a factor of ax3+bx2+cx−1625, by the Remainder Theorem, we must have a(21)3+b(21)2+c(21)−1625=0 or 8a+4b+2c−1625=0 or 2a+4b+8c−25=0 Solving the following system of equations: ⎩⎨⎧c−a−b5+2a−2b2a+4b+8c−25=0=0=0 we get a=−225, b=1125, and c=2245, so that a+b+c=1145.
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Source: MathNet,
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