Problem: Find all pairs (r,s) of real numbers such that the zeros of the polynomials f(x)=x2−2rx+r and g(x)=27x3−27rx2+sx−r6 are all real and nonnegative.
Solution
Solution: Let x1,x2 be the zeros of f(x), and let y1,y2,y3 be the zeros of g(x). By Viete's relation, x1+x2x1x2=2r=r and y1+y2+y3y1y2+y2y3+y3y1y1y2y3=r=27s=27r6 Note that (2x1+x2)2≥x1x2⇒r2≥r3y1+y2+y3≥3y1y2y33r≥327r6r≥r2 Hence r=r2, and consequently x1=x2 and y1=y2=y3. Moreover, r=0,1.
- If r=0, then f(x)=x2 with x1=x2=0. And since y1=y2=y3 with y1+y2+y3=0, then ultimately s=0.
- If r=1, then f(x)=x2−2x+1=(x−1)2 with x1=x2=1. And since y1=y2=y3 with y1+y2+y3=1 then y1=y2=y3=31. Therefore s=9.
Thus, the possible ordered pairs (r,s) are (0,0) and (1,9).
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