Let , , , , be nonzero real numbers. Prove that the polynomial
where for , has a root with negative real part.
Solution
Assume, to the contrary, that all roots of the polynomial have nonegative real parts. We deduce that the real parts of the sums of the roots of its factors
for , are nonegative. Therefore, by Vieta's relations, we have
for . Hence
which is a contradiction.
This proves that the polynomial has a root with negative real part.
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