Cambridge International

AS & A Level
Further Mathematics 9231

Further Pure Mathematics 1

(Paper 1)
(For examination from 2020)

Worked solutions to
Topical Past-Year Paper questions
(Including questions from other exam boards)
(2002-2020)

Daryl Hong
 2

Table of Contents
9231 Further Pure Mathematics 1 (Paper 1)
1 Roots of polynomial equations ...................................................................................... 3
2 Rational functions and graphs ...................................................................................... 39
3 Summation of series ......................................................................................................... 96
4 Matrices 1 ........................................................................................................................... 142
5 Polar coordinates ............................................................................................................ 194
6 Vectors ................................................................................................................................. 275
7 Proof by induction .......................................................................................................... 345

• The worked solutions in this book are intended as aid for learning, and represent one possible
approach to answer a question. Where possible, alternative methods and strategies are shown
for contrast. Further proof and elaborations of certain results are included below the solutions of
a question where relevant.

• Non-exact numerical answers should be given correct to 3 significant figures, or 1 decimal place
in the case of angles in degrees, unless a different level of accuracy is specified in the question.

By: Daryl Hong

 3

1 Roots of polynomial equations

s02_qp_1_q5
Given: 𝑥3 − 3𝑥2 + 1 has roots 𝛼, 𝛽, 𝛾
𝛼 𝛽 𝛾
Let the equation that has roots , and have variable 𝑦:
𝛼−2 𝛽 −2 𝛾 −2
𝑥 2𝑦
∵𝑦= ⇒𝑥=
𝑥−2 𝑦−1
2𝑦 3 2𝑦 2
Substituting: ( − 3 (𝑦 − 1) + 1 = 0
𝑦 − 1)
⇒ 8𝑦3 − 12𝑦2 (𝑦 − 1) + (𝑦 − 1)3 = 0
⇒ 8𝑦3 − 12𝑦3 + 12𝑦2 + (𝑦3 − 3𝑦2 + 3𝑦 − 1) = 0
⇒ −3𝑦3 + 9𝑦2 + 3𝑦 − 1 = 0
∴ 3𝑦3 − 9𝑦2 − 3𝑦 + 1 = 0 (𝐀𝐆) ∎

Find: (𝛼 − 2)(𝛽 − 2)(𝛾 − 2)

Let 𝛼 ′ , 𝛽 ′ , 𝛾 ′ denote the roots of the 𝑦-equation:
𝛼𝛽𝛾
∵ 𝛼 ′ 𝛽 ′ 𝛾 ′ = −1 ⇒ = −1
(𝛼 − 2)(𝛽 − 2)(𝛾 − 2)
⇒ (𝛼 − 2)(𝛽 − 2)(𝛾 − 2) = −𝛼𝛽𝛾
⇒ (𝛼 − 2)(𝛽 − 2)(𝛾 − 2) = −(−3)
∴ (𝛼 − 2)(𝛽 − 2)(𝛾 − 2) = 3 ∎

Alternative: Using 𝑥-equation

⇒ (𝛼 − 2)(𝛽 − 2)(𝛾 − 2) = (𝛾 − 2)(𝛼𝛽 − 2𝛼 − 2𝛽 + 4)
⇒ (𝛼 − 2)(𝛽 − 2)(𝛾 − 2) = (𝛼𝛽𝛾 − 2𝛼𝛾 − 2𝛽𝛾 + 4𝛾) − 2𝛼𝛽 + 4𝛼 + 4𝛽 − 8
⇒ (𝛼 − 2)(𝛽 − 2)(𝛾 − 2) = 𝛼𝛽𝛾 − 2(𝛼𝛾 + 𝛽𝛾 + 𝛼𝛽) + 4(𝛼 + 𝛽 + 𝛾) − 8
⇒ (𝛼 − 2)(𝛽 − 2)(𝛾 − 2) = −1 − 2(0) + 4(−(−3)) − 8
∴ (𝛼 − 2)(𝛽 − 2)(𝛾 − 2) = 3 ∎

Find: 𝛼(𝛽 − 2)(𝛾 − 2) + 𝛽(𝛾 − 2)(𝛼 − 2) + 𝛾(𝛼 − 2)(𝛽 − 2)

𝛼 𝛽 𝛾
⇒ ∑ 𝛼(𝛽 − 2)(𝛾 − 2) = (𝛼 − 2)(𝛽 − 2)(𝛾 − 2) + +
(𝛼 − 2 𝛽 − 2 𝛾 − 2)
⇒ ∑ 𝛼(𝛽 − 2)(𝛾 − 2) = (𝛼 − 2)(𝛽 − 2)(𝛾 − 2) × ∑ 𝛼 ′ = 3 × 3
∴ ∑ 𝛼(𝛽 − 2)(𝛾 − 2) = 9 ∎

w02_qp_1_q2
Given: 𝑥4 + 𝑥3 + 𝐴𝑥2 + 4𝑥 − 2 = 0 has roots 𝛼, 𝛽, 𝛾, 𝛿
Let the equation that has roots 𝛼 −1 , 𝛽 −1 , 𝛾 −1 , 𝛿 −1 have variable 𝑦:
1 1
∵𝑦= ⇒𝑥=
𝑥 𝑦
1 1 𝐴 4
Substituting: 4 + 3 + 2 + − 2 = 0
𝑦 𝑦 𝑦 𝑦
2 3 4
⇒ 1 + 𝑦 + 𝐴𝑦 + 4𝑦 − 2𝑦 = 0
∴ 2𝑦4 − 4𝑦3 − 𝐴𝑦2 − 𝑦 − 1 = 0 ∎

Given: ∑ 𝛼 2 = ∑ 𝛼 −2
∵ ∑ 𝛼 2 = (∑ 𝛼)2 − 2 ∑ 𝛼𝛽
⇒ ∑ 𝛼 2 = (−1)2 − 2𝐴 = 1 − 2𝐴

By: Daryl Hong

 4

Let 𝛼 ′ , 𝛽 ′ , 𝛾 ′ , 𝛿 ′ denote the roots of the 𝑦-equation:

∵ ∑(𝛼 ′ )2 " = (∑ 𝛼 ′ )2 − 2 ∑ 𝛼 ′ 𝛽 ′
⇒ ∑ 𝛼 −2 = 22 − 2(− 12 𝐴) = 4 + 𝐴

∵ ∑ 𝛼 2 = ∑ 𝛼 −2 ⇒ 1 − 2𝐴 = 4 + 𝐴
∴ 𝐴 = −1 ∎

s03_qp_1_q5
Given:
• 8𝑥3 + 12𝑥2 + 4𝑥 − 1 = 0 has roots 𝛼, 𝛽, 𝛾
• Show: Eqn’ with roots (2𝛼 + 1), (2𝛽 + 1), (2𝛾 + 1) is 𝑦3 − 𝑦 − 1 = 0

Let the equation that has roots (2𝛼 + 1), (2𝛽 + 1), (2𝛾 + 1) have variable 𝑦:
𝑦−1
∵ 𝑦 = 2𝑥 + 1 ⇒ 𝑥 =
2
𝑦−1 3 𝑦−1 2 𝑦−1
Sustituting: 8 ( ) + 12 ( ) + 4( −1= 0
2 2 2 )
⇒ (𝑦 − 1)3 + 3(𝑦 − 1)2 + 2(𝑦 − 1) − 1 = 0
⇒ (𝑦3 − 3𝑦2 + 3𝑦 − 1) + (3𝑦2 − 6𝑦 + 3) + (2𝑦 − 2) − 1 = 0
∴ 𝑦3 − 𝑦 − 1 = 0 (𝐀𝐆) ∎

Given:
• 𝑆𝑛 = (2𝛼 + 1)𝑛 + (2𝛽 + 1)𝑛 + (2𝛾 + 1)𝑛
• Find: 𝑆3 and 𝑆−2
(2𝛼 + 1)𝑛+3 − (2𝛼 + 1)𝑛+1 − (2𝛼 + 1)𝑛 = 0 … (𝟏)
3 𝑛+3 𝑛+1 𝑛
∵ 𝑦 − 𝑦 − 1 = 0 ⇒ 𝑦 − 𝑦 − 𝑦 = 0 (2𝛽 + 1)𝑛+3 − (2𝛽 + 1)𝑛+1 − (2𝛽 + 1)𝑛 = 0 … (𝟐)
𝑛+3 𝑛+1 𝑛
{ (2𝛾 + 1) − (2𝛾 + 1) − (2𝛾 + 1) = 0 … (𝟑)
(𝟏) + (𝟐) + (𝟑): 𝑆𝑛+3 − 𝑆𝑛+1 − 𝑆𝑛 = 0 (∗)

Using (∗): 𝑛 = 0: 𝑆3 − 𝑆1 − 𝑆0 = 0
⇒ 𝑆3 − 0 − 3 = 0
∴ 𝑆3 = 3 ∎

𝑛 = −2: 𝑆1 − 𝑆−1 − 𝑆−2 = 0 … (𝟒)

𝑛 = −1: 𝑆2 − 𝑆0 − 𝑆−1 = 0 … (𝟓)

(𝟒) − (𝟓): 𝑆1 − 𝑆−2 − 𝑆2 + 𝑆0 = 0

⇒ 𝑆−2 = 𝑆1 − 𝑆2 + 𝑆0

∵ 𝑆2 = "(∑ 𝛼)2 " − 2" ∑ 𝛼𝛽 " (for 𝑦-equation)

⇒ 𝑆2 = 0 − 2(−1) = 2
∴ 𝑆−2 = 0 − 2 + 3 = 1 ∎

By: Daryl Hong

 5

w03_qp_1_q6
Given: 𝑥3 + 𝑥 + 12 = 0
∵ ∑ 𝛼 2 = (∑ 𝛼)2 − 2 ∑ 𝛼𝛽 = 02 − 2(1)
∴ ∑ 𝛼 2 = −2

• ∑ 𝛼 2 = −2 < 0 ⇒ Not all roots are real

• A cubic equation can only have 1 or 3 real roots.
• All coefficients of the polynomial equation are real
⇒ The equation has 2 complex roots which come in conjugate pairs

∴ Thus only one of the roots is real ∎

Given: The real root of the equation is denoted by 𝛼

Let f (𝑥) = 𝑥3 + 𝑥 + 12 {f(−2) = 2 > 0

f(−3) = −18 < 0
⇒ The sign change for f (𝑥) in −3 < 𝑥 < −2 indicates that there is a root in −3 < 𝑥 < −2
∴ −3 < 𝛼 < −2

∵ 𝛽 and 𝛾 are the complex roots such that 𝛾 = 𝛽 ∗ ⇒ 𝛽𝛾 = 𝛽𝛽 ∗ = |𝛽|2

12
∵ 𝛼𝛽𝛾 = −12 ⇒ 𝛼|𝛽|2 = −12 ⇒ 𝛼 = − 2
|𝛽|
12
∵ −3 < 𝛼 < −2 ⇒ −3 < − 2 < −2
|𝛽|
1 1 1
⇒ > 2 > ⇒ 4 < |𝛽|2 < 6
4 |𝛽| 6
∴ 2 < |𝛽| < √6 (𝐀𝐆) ∎

s04_qp_1_q11O
Given:
• 𝑥3 − 𝑥 − 1 = 0 has roots 𝛼, 𝛽, 𝛾
• 𝑆𝑛 = 𝛼 𝑛 + 𝛽 𝑛 + 𝛾 𝑛
• Show: 𝛼 2 , 𝛽 2 , 𝛾 2 are the roots of the equation 𝑦3 − 2𝑦2 + 𝑦 − 1 = 0
1
∵ 𝑦 = 𝑥2 ⇒ 𝑥 = 𝑦2
3 1
Substituting: 𝑦2 − 𝑦2 − 1 = 0
1
⇒ 𝑦2 (𝑦 − 1) = 1 ⇒ 𝑦(𝑦 − 1)2 = 1
⇒ 𝑦(𝑦2 − 2𝑦 + 1) = 1
∴ 𝑦3 − 2𝑦2 + 𝑦 − 1 = 0 (𝐀𝐆) ∎

From the 𝑦-equation, we have ∑ 𝛼 2 = 2, ∑ 𝛼 2 𝛽 2 = 1, 𝛼 2 𝛽 2 𝛾 2 = −1

2
∵ 𝑆4 = ∑ 𝛼 4 = (∑ 𝛼 2 ) − 2 ∑ 𝛼 2 𝛽 2
⇒ 𝑆4 = 22 − 2(1)
∴ 𝑆4 = 2 ∎
1
Let 𝑦 = 𝑡2 ⇒ 𝑡 = 𝑦2 (the 𝑡-equation will have roots 𝛼 4 , 𝛽 4 , 𝛾 4 )
3 1
∵ 𝑦3 − 2𝑦2 + 𝑦 − 1 = 0 ⇒ 𝑡2 − 2𝑡 + 𝑡2 − 1 = 0
1
⇒ 𝑡2 (𝑡 + 1) = 2𝑡 + 1 ⇒ 𝑡(𝑡 + 1)2 = (2𝑡 + 1)2
⇒ 𝑡(𝑡2 + 2𝑡 + 1) = 4𝑡2 + 4𝑡 + 1

By: Daryl Hong

 6

∴ 𝑡3 − 2𝑡2 − 3𝑡 − 1 = 0

For the 𝑡-equation, let 𝑆𝑛′ = 𝛼 4𝑛 + 𝛽 4𝑛 + 𝛾 4𝑛:

Then we have: (𝑆4 = 𝑆1′ ), 𝑆8 = 𝑆2′ , 𝑆12 = 𝑆3′ , 𝑆16 = 𝑆4′
∵ 𝑡3 − 2𝑡2 − 3𝑡 − 1 = 0
⇒ 𝑡𝑛+3 − 2𝑡𝑛+2 − 3𝑡𝑛+1 − 𝑡𝑛 = 0
′ ′ ′
⇒ 𝑆𝑛+3 − 2𝑆𝑛+2 − 3𝑆𝑛+1 − 𝑆𝑛′ = 0 (∗)

For 𝑺𝟖 : 𝑆8 = 𝑆2′ = " ∑ 𝛼 2 "

∵ 𝑆8 = "(∑ 𝛼)2 " − 2" ∑ 𝛼𝛽 "
⇒ 𝑆2′ = 22 − 2(−3) = 10
∴ 𝑆8 = 10 ∎

For 𝑺𝟏𝟐: 𝑆12 = 𝑆3′

Using 𝑛 = 0 in (∗): 𝑆3′ − 2𝑆2′ − 3𝑆1′ − 𝑆0′ = 0
⇒ 𝑆3′ = 2𝑆2′ + 3𝑆1′ + 𝑆0′ = 2(10) + 3(2) + 3 = 29
∴ 𝑆12 = 29 ∎

For 𝑺𝟏𝟔: 𝑆16 = 𝑆4′

Using 𝑛 = 1 in (∗): 𝑆4′ − 2𝑆3′ − 3𝑆2′ − 𝑆1′ = 0
⇒ 𝑆3′ = 2𝑆3′ + 3𝑆2′ + 𝑆1′ = 2(29) + 3(10) + 2
∴ 𝑆16 = 90 ∎

w04_qp_1_q3
Given: ∑ 𝛼 = 0, ∑ 𝛼 2 = 14, ∑ 𝛼 3 = −18
Let the cubic equation that has roots 𝛼, 𝛽, 𝛾 be 𝑥3 + 𝑝𝑥2 + 𝑞𝑥 + 𝑟 = 0:
∵ ∑ 𝛼 = −𝑝, ⇒ −𝑝 = 0
∴𝑝=0

∵ ∑ 𝛼𝛽 = 𝑞 and ∑ 𝛼 2 = (∑ 𝛼)2 − 2 ∑ 𝛼𝛽
⇒ 14 = 02 − 2𝑞
∴ 𝑞 = −7

∵ ∑ 𝛼 3 + 𝑝 ∑ 𝛼 2 + 𝑞 ∑ 𝛼 + 3𝑟 = 0,
⇒ −18 + 0(14) − 7(0) + 3𝑟 = 0
∴𝑟=6

∴ The cubic equation is 𝑥3 − 7𝑥 + 6 = 0 ∎

∵ 𝑥3 − 7𝑥 + 6 = 0 ⇒ (𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 − 1) = 0
∴ 𝑥 = −3, 2, 1
∴ Possible values of 𝛼, 𝛽, 𝛾 are 1, 2, −3 (in any order) ∎

By: Daryl Hong

 7

s05_qp_1_q4
Given: 𝑥3 + 𝜆𝑥 + 1 = 0
⇒ ∑ 𝛼 3 + 𝜆 ∑ 𝛼 + 3 = 0,
∵ ∑ 𝛼 = 0 ⇒ ∑ 𝛼 3 = −3 (𝐀𝐆) ∎

Alternative: Uses formula* (see note below)

∵ ∑ 𝛼 3 = (∑ 𝛼)(∑ 𝛼 2 − ∑ 𝛼𝛽 ) + 3𝛼𝛽𝛾 = (∑ 𝛼)3 − 3(∑ 𝛼)(∑ 𝛼𝛽) + 3𝛼𝛽𝛾
⇒ ∑ 𝛼 3 = 02 − 3(0)(𝜆) + 3(−1)
∴ ∑ 𝛼 3 = −3 (𝐀𝐆) ∎

Notes:
*A proof of the two identities shown for ∑ 𝛼 3 is demonstrated below:
𝛼 𝛽 𝛾

∵ ∑ 𝛼 3 = 𝛼 2 (⏞∑ 𝛼 − (𝛽 + 𝛾)) + 𝛽 2 (⏞∑ 𝛼 − (𝛼 + 𝛾)) + 𝛾 2 (⏞∑ 𝛼 − (𝛼 + 𝛽))

⇒ ∑ 𝛼 3 = (𝛼 2 + 𝛽 2 + 𝛾 2 )(∑ 𝛼) − (𝛼 2 𝛽 + 𝛼 2 𝛾 + 𝛽 2 𝛼 + 𝛽 2 𝛾 + 𝛾 2 𝛼 + 𝛾 2 𝛽 )
∴ ∑ 𝛼 3 = (∑ 𝛼 2 )(∑ 𝛼) − ∑ 𝛼 2 𝛽;
But ∑ 𝛼 2 𝛽 = 𝛼(𝛼𝛽 + 𝛼𝛾) + 𝛽(𝛼𝛽 + 𝛽𝛾) + 𝛾(𝛾𝛼 + 𝛾𝛽)
⇒ ∑ 𝛼 2 𝛽 = 𝛼 ((∑ 𝛼𝛽) − 𝛽𝛾 ) + 𝛽 ((∑ 𝛼𝛽) − 𝛾𝛼 ) + 𝛾 ((∑ 𝛼𝛽) − 𝛼𝛽 )
∴ ∑ 𝛼 2 𝛽 = (∑ 𝛼)(∑ 𝛼𝛽) − ∑ 𝛼 3

∴ ∑ 𝛼 3 = (∑ 𝛼 2 )(∑ 𝛼) − [(∑ 𝛼)(∑ 𝛼𝛽) − ∑ 𝛼 3 ]

∴ ∑ 𝛼 3 = (∑ 𝛼)(∑ 𝛼 2 − ∑ 𝛼𝛽 ) + 3𝛼𝛽𝛾 (identity (𝟏))

∵ ∑ 𝛼 2 = (∑ 𝛼)2 − 2 ∑ 𝛼𝛽 ⇒ ∑ 𝛼 3 = (∑ 𝛼)[((∑ 𝛼)2 − 2 ∑ 𝛼𝛽 ) − ∑ 𝛼𝛽 ] + 3𝛼𝛽𝛾

∴ ∑ 𝛼 3 = (∑ 𝛼)3 − 3(∑ 𝛼)(∑ 𝛼𝛽) + 3𝛼𝛽𝛾 (identity (𝟐)) ∎

∵ 𝑥3 + 𝜆𝑥 + 1 = 0 ⇒ 𝑥4 + 𝜆𝑥2 + 𝑥 = 0 (since 𝑥 ≠ 0)
⇒ ∑ 𝛼 4 + 𝜆 ∑ 𝛼 2 + ∑ 𝛼 = 0,
where ∑ 𝛼 2 = (∑ 𝛼)2 − 2 ∑ 𝛼𝛽 = 02 − 2𝜆 = −2𝜆
⇒ ∑ 𝛼 4 + 𝜆(−2𝜆) + 0 = 0,
∴ ∑ 𝛼 4 = 2𝜆2 ⩾ 0 ∀𝜆 ∈ ℝ

∴ There is no real value of 𝜆 for which the sum of the fourth powers of the roots are negative. ∎

w05_qp_1_q5
Given:
• 𝑥3 + 𝑎𝑥2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 = 0 [let 𝛼, 𝛽, 𝛾 denote the roots of this equation];
• 𝛼, 𝛽, 𝛾 ∈ ℝ;
• 𝛼 > 1, 𝛽 > 1, 𝛾 > 1
Prove: 𝑎 < −3
From the equation, ∑ 𝛼 = −𝑎, ∑ 𝛼𝛽 = 𝑏, 𝛼𝛽𝛾 = −𝑐
∵ 𝛼 > 1, 𝛽 > 1, 𝛾 > 1 ⇒ 𝛼 + 𝛽 + 𝛾(= ∑ 𝛼) > 3
⇒ −𝑎 > 3
∴ 𝑎 < −3 (𝐀𝐆) ∎

Prove: 𝑎2 > 2𝑏 + 3 [by considering ∑ 𝛼 2 ]

∵ ∑ 𝛼 2 = (∑ 𝛼)2 − 2 ∑ 𝛼𝛽 = (−𝑎)2 − 2𝑏

By: Daryl Hong

 8

∴ ∑ 𝛼 2 = 𝑎2 − 2𝑏
∵ 𝛼 > 1, 𝛽 > 1, 𝛾 > 1 ⇒ ∑ 𝛼 2 > 3
⇒ 𝑎2 − 2𝑏 > 3
∴ 𝑎2 > 2𝑏 + 3 (𝐀𝐆) ∎

Prove: 𝑎3 < −9𝑏 − 3𝑐 − 3 [by considering ∑ 𝛼 3 ]

∵ 𝑥3 + 𝑎𝑥2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 = 0 ⇒ ∑ 𝛼 3 + 𝑎 ∑ 𝛼 2 + 𝑏 ∑ 𝛼 + 3𝑐 = 0
Substituting values: ∑ 𝛼 3 = −𝑎 ∑ 𝛼 2 − 𝑏 ∑ 𝛼 − 3𝑐
⇒ ∑ 𝛼 3 = −𝑎(𝑎2 − 2𝑏) − 𝑏(−𝑎) − 3𝑐
∴ ∑ 𝛼 3 = 3𝑎𝑏 − 𝑎3 − 3𝑐

As before, 𝛼 > 1, 𝛽 > 1, 𝛾 > 1 ⇒ ∑ 𝛼 3 > 3

⇒ 3𝑎𝑏 − 𝑎3 − 3𝑐 > 3
⇒ 𝑎3 < 3𝑎𝑏 − 3𝑐 − 3

∵ ∑ 𝛼𝛽 = 𝛼𝛽 + 𝛽𝛾 + 𝛼𝛾 = 𝑏 ⇒ 𝑏 > 3 (∵ 𝛼 > 1, 𝛽 > 1, 𝛾 > 1)

But 𝑎 < −3 ⇒ 3𝑎𝑏 < −9𝑏 (since 𝑏 is positive)
⇒ 3𝑎𝑏 − 3𝑐 − 3 < −9𝑏 − 3𝑐 − 3
∴ 𝑎3 < −9𝑏 − 3𝑐 − 3 (𝐀𝐆) ∎

s06_qp_1_q11E
Given: 𝑥4 + 3𝑥3 + 5𝑥2 + 12𝑥 + 4 = 0
∵ ∑ 𝛼 2 = (∑ 𝛼)2 − 2 ∑ 𝛼𝛽 = (−3)2 − 2(5)
∴ ∑ 𝛼 2 = −1 ∎

Show: This equation does not have more than 2 real roots

• ∑ 𝛼 2 = −1 < 0 ⇒ Not all roots are real

• All coefficients of the polynomial equation are real
⇒ The equation has complex roots which come in conjugate pairs
• Therefore this quartic equation can either have 4 complex roots which come in conjugate pairs,
-or-
2 real roots and 2 complex roots which are conjugate pairs.

∴ Therefore this equation does not have more than 2 real roots (𝐀𝐆) ∎

f(−3) = 13 > 0
Let f (𝑥) = 𝑥 + 3𝑥 + 5𝑥 + 12𝑥 + 4 (−2) = −8 < 0
4 3 2 f
f (−1) = −5 > 0
{ f(0) = 4 > 0

∵ f (𝑥) has two sign changes in the interval −3 < 𝑥 < 0, namely in −3 < 𝑥 < −2 and −1 < 𝑥 < 0

• The change of sign of f (𝑥) in the interval (−3, −1) implies an odd number of real roots in this interval
and likewise for the interval (−1, 0).
• Since it has been proved that there are no more than 2 real roots, then there must be exactly one real
root in each of the intervals (−3, −1) and (−1, 0).

∴ There are exactly 2 real roots in the interval (−3, 0).

[solution to part (iv) is on the next page]

By: Daryl Hong

 9

∵ 𝛾 and 𝛿 are such that 𝛾 = 𝛿 ∗ (or 𝛿 = 𝛾 ∗ ) ⇒ |𝛾| = |𝛿|

Considering the product of the roots of the eqn’: 𝛼𝛽𝛾𝛿 = 4,
∵ 𝛾𝛿 = 𝛾𝛾 ∗ = |𝛾|2 ⇒ 𝛼𝛽|𝛾|2 = 4
4
⇒ |𝛾|2 =
𝛼𝛽
2
∴ |𝛾| = |𝛿| = (𝐀𝐆) ∎
√𝛼𝛽

w06_qp_1_q6
Given: 𝑥3 + 𝑥 + 1 = 0 has roots 𝛼, 𝛽, 𝛾
4𝛼 + 1 4𝛽 + 1 4𝛾 + 1
Let the (cubic) equation has has roots , , have variable 𝑦, then:
𝛼+1 𝛽 +1 𝛾 +1
4𝑥 + 1 1−𝑦
∵𝑦= ⇒𝑥=
𝑥+1 𝑦−4

1−𝑦 3 1−𝑦
Substituting: ( + −1 =0
𝑦 − 4) 𝑦−4
⇒ (1 − 𝑦)3 + (1 − 𝑦)(𝑦 − 4)2 + (𝑦 − 4)3 = 0
⇒ 1 − 3𝑦 + 3𝑦2 − 𝑦3 + (1 − 𝑦)(𝑦2 − 8𝑦 + 16) + (𝑦3 − 12𝑦2 + 48𝑦 − 64) = 0
⇒ 1 − 3𝑦 + 3𝑦2 − 𝑦3 + (9𝑦2 − 24𝑦 + 16 − 𝑦3 ) + 𝑦3 − 12𝑦2 + 48𝑦 − 64 = 0
⇒ −𝑦3 + 21𝑦 − 47 = 0
∴ 𝑦3 − 21𝑦 + 47 = 0 ⇒ 𝑝 = −21, 𝑞 = 47 ∎

4𝛼 + 1 𝑛 4𝛽 + 1 𝑛 4𝛾 + 1 𝑛
Let 𝑆𝑛 = ( + +
𝛼+1) (𝛽 +1) (𝛾 +1)

For 𝒏 = 𝟐 (𝑺𝟐 ):
∵ 𝑆2 = "(∑ 𝛼)2 " − 2" ∑ 𝛼𝛽 "
⇒ 𝑆2 = 02 − 2(−21)
∴ 𝑆2 = 42 ∎

For 𝒏 = 𝟑 (𝑺𝟑 ):
∵ 𝑦3 − 21𝑦 + 47 = 0 ⇒ 𝑆3 − 21𝑆1 + 141 = 0
⇒ 𝑆3 − 21(0) + 141 = 0
∴ 𝑆3 = −141 ∎

s07_qp_1_q7
Given:
• 𝑥3 + 3𝑥 − 1 = 0 has roots 𝛼, 𝛽, 𝛾
• Show: 𝑦3 − 3𝑦2 + 30𝑦 − 1 = 0 has roots 𝛼, 𝛽, 𝛾
1
∵ 𝑦 = 𝑥3 ⇒ 𝑥 = 𝑦3
1
Substituting: 𝑦 + 3𝑦3 − 1 = 0
1 1 3
⇒ 3𝑦3 = 1 − 𝑦 ⇒ (3𝑦3 ) = (1 − 𝑦)3
⇒ 27𝑦 = 1 − 3𝑦 + 3𝑦2 − 𝑦3
∴ 𝑦3 − 3𝑦2 + 30𝑦 − 1 = 0 (𝐀𝐆) ∎

Find: 𝛼 9 + 𝛽 9 + 𝛾 9
3 2
∵ 𝑦3 − 3𝑦2 + 30𝑦 − 1 = 0 ⇒ ∑(𝛼 3 ) − 3 ∑(𝛼 3 ) + 30 ∑ 𝛼 3 − 3 = 0
i.e. ∑ 𝛼 9 − 3 ∑ 𝛼 6 + 30 ∑ 𝛼 3 − 3 = 0, where

By: Daryl Hong

 10

• ∑ 𝛼 3 = −(−3) = 3 , and
2
• ∑ 𝛼 6 = (∑ 𝛼 3 ) − 2 ∑ 𝛼 3 𝛽 3 = 32 − 2(30) = −51

⇒ ∑ 𝛼 9 = 3 ∑ 𝛼 6 − 30 ∑ 𝛼 3 + 3 = 3(−51) − 30(3) + 3
∴ 𝛼 9 + 𝛽 9 + 𝛾 9 = −240 ∎

w07_qp_1_q4
Given:
• 𝑥3 − 8𝑥2 + 5 = 0 has roots 𝛼, 𝛽, 𝛾
• Show: 𝛼 2 = 5(𝛽 + 𝛾)−1

From the given equation: 𝛼 + 𝛽 + 𝛾 = 8, 𝛼𝛽 + 𝛽𝛾 + 𝛼𝛾 = 0, 𝛼𝛽𝛾 = −5 … (𝟏)

From ∑ 𝛼𝛽 = 0 ⇒ 𝛽𝛾 = −𝛼(𝛽 + 𝛾) … (𝟐)
(𝟐) into (𝟏): 𝛼 (−𝛼(𝛽 + 𝛾)) = −5
⇒ 𝛼 2 (𝛽 + 𝛾) = 5
5
∴ 𝛼2 = (𝐀𝐆) ∎
𝛽+𝛾

Alternative:
∵ 𝛼 satisfies 𝛼 3 − 8𝛼 2 + 5 = 0 ⇒ 𝛼 2 (𝛼 − 8) + 5 = 0 … (𝟏)
∵ 𝛼 + 𝛽 + 𝛾 = 8 ⇒ 𝛼 − 8 = −(𝛽 + 𝛾) … (𝟐)
(𝟐) into (𝟏): 𝛼 (−(𝛽 + 𝛾)) = −5
5
∴ 𝛼2 = (𝐀𝐆) ∎
𝛽+𝛾

Given: 𝛼, 𝛽, 𝛾 ∈ ℝ
Show: One of the roots is negative and the other two roots are positive (without reference to a graph)

Argument 1: From previous part: 𝛼 + 𝛽 + 𝛾 = 8, 𝛼𝛽 + 𝛽𝛾 + 𝛼𝛾 = 0, 𝛼𝛽𝛾 = −5

5
∵ 𝛼 ∈ ℝ ⇒ 𝛼 2 ⩾ 0, but since 𝛼 2 = ⇒ 𝛼2 > 0
𝛽+𝛾
[Or let 𝛼 denote the negative root ⇒ 𝛼 2 > 0]
5
Therefore >0 ⇒𝛽 +𝛾 >0
𝛽+𝛾
Now let 𝛼 denote the negative root:
Since 𝛼𝛽𝛾 = −5, and 𝛼 < 0 ⇒ 𝛽𝛾 > 0, so either:
1 𝛽 < 0 and 𝛾 < 0 -or-
2 𝛽 > 0 and 𝛾 > 0

⇒ 1 cannot be the case, as 𝛽 + 𝛾 > 0 [or 𝛼 + 𝛽 + 𝛾 = 8 > 0]

∴ One of the roots is negative and the two other roots are positive (𝐀𝐆) ∎

Argument 2:
∵ 𝛼𝛽𝛾 = −5 < 0, thus there are 2 possible cases concerning 𝛼, 𝛽, 𝛾:
1 one of the roots must be negative (two others positive) -or-
2 all of the roots are negative
⇒ 2 cannot be the case, as 𝛼 + 𝛽 + 𝛾 = 8 > 0
∴ One of the roots is negative and the two other roots are positive (𝐀𝐆) ∎

By: Daryl Hong

 11

s08_qp_1_q5
Given: 𝑥3 + 𝑥 − 1 = 0 has roots 𝛼, 𝛽, 𝛾
Show: The equation with roots 𝛼 3 , 𝛽 3 , 𝛾 3 is 𝑦3 − 3𝑦2 + 4𝑦 − 1 = 0
1
∵ 𝑦 = 𝑥3 ⇒ 𝑥 = 𝑦3
1 1
Substituting: 𝑦 + 𝑦3 − 1 = 0 ⇒ 𝑦3 = 1 − 𝑦
⇒ 𝑦 = (1 − 𝑦)3 ⇒ 𝑦 = 1 − 3𝑦 + 3𝑦2 − 𝑦3
∴ 𝑦3 − 3𝑦2 + 4𝑦 − 1 = 0 (𝐀𝐆) ∎

Find: 𝛼 6 + 𝛽 6 + 𝛾 6
2 2
∵ ∑ 𝛼 6 = ∑(𝛼 3 ) = (∑ 𝛼 3 ) − 2 ∑ 𝛼 3 𝛽 3
⇒ ∑ 𝛼 6 = (−(−3))2 − 2(4)
∴ 𝛼6 + 𝛽 6 + 𝛾 6 = 1 ∎

w08_qp_1_q12O
Given:
• 𝑥4 − 5𝑥2 + 2𝑥 − 1 = 0 has roots 𝛼, 𝛽, 𝛾, 𝛿
• 𝑆𝑛 = 𝛼 𝑛 + 𝛽 𝑛 + 𝛾 𝑛 + 𝛿 𝑛

∵ 𝑥4 − 5𝑥2 + 2𝑥 − 1 = 0 ⇒ 𝑥𝑛+4 − 5𝑥𝑛+2 − 2𝑥𝑛+1 − 𝑥𝑛 = 0 (∵ 𝑥 ≠ 0)

𝛼 𝑛+4 − 5𝛼 𝑛+2 + 2𝛼 𝑛+1 − 𝛼 𝑛 = 0 … (𝟏)
𝛽 𝑛+4 − 5𝛽 𝑛+2 + 2𝛽 𝑛+1 − 𝛽 𝑛 = 0 … (𝟐)
Thus 𝛼, 𝛽, 𝛾, 𝛿 satisfy 𝑛+4
𝛾 − 5𝛾 𝑛+2 + 2𝛾 𝑛+1 − 𝛾 𝑛 = 0 … (𝟑)
{ 𝛿 𝑛+4 − 5𝛿 𝑛+2 − 2𝛿 𝑛+1 − 𝛿 𝑛 = 0 … (𝟒)
(𝟏) + (𝟐) + (𝟑) + (𝟒): 𝑆𝑛+4 − 5𝑆𝑛+2 + 2𝑆𝑛+1 − 𝑆𝑛 = 0 (𝐀𝐆) ∎ (∗)

Find: 𝑆2 and 𝑆4
∵ 𝑆2 = ∑ 𝛼 2 = (∑ 𝛼)2 − 2 ∑ 𝛼𝛽 = 02 − 2(−5)
∴ 𝑆2 = 10

Let 𝑛 = 1 in (∗): 𝑆4 − 5𝑆2 + 2𝑆1 − 𝑆0 = 0

⇒ 𝑆4 = 5𝑆2 − 2𝑆1 + 𝑆0 = 5(10) − 2(0) + 4
∴ 𝑆4 = 54 ∎

Find: 𝑆3 and 𝑆6
For 𝑺𝟑 : Let 𝑛 = −1 in (∗): 𝑆3 − 5𝑆1 + 2𝑆0 − 𝑆−1 = 0
1 1 1 1 𝛽𝛾𝛿 + 𝛼𝛾𝛿 + 𝛼𝛽𝛿 + 𝛼𝛽𝛾 ∑ 𝛼𝛽𝛾
∵ 𝑆−1 = + + + = =
𝛼 𝛽 𝛾 𝛿 𝛼𝛽𝛾𝛿 𝛼𝛽𝛾𝛿
−2
∴ 𝑆−1 = =2
−1
⇒ 𝑆3 = 5𝑆1 − 2𝑆0 + 𝑆−1 = 5(0) − 2(4) + 2
∴ 𝑆3 = −6 ∎

For 𝑺𝟔 : Let 𝑛 = 2 in (∗): 𝑆6 − 5𝑆4 + 2𝑆3 − 𝑆2 = 0

⇒ 𝑆6 = 5𝑆4 − 2𝑆3 + 𝑆2 = 5(54) − 2(−6) + 10
∴ 𝑆6 = 292 ∎

[solution to part (iv) is on the next page]

By: Daryl Hong

 12

Let 𝐴 = 𝛼 2 (𝛽 4 + 𝛾 4 + 𝛿 4 ) + 𝛽 2 (𝛾 4 + 𝛿 4 + 𝛼 4 ) + 𝛾 2 (𝛿 4 + 𝛼 4 + 𝛽 4 ) + 𝛿 2 (𝛼 4 + 𝛽 4 + 𝛾 4 ):
⇒ 𝐴 = 𝛼 2 (𝑆4 − 𝛼 4 ) + 𝛽 2 (𝑆4 − 𝛽 4 ) + 𝛾 2 (𝑆4 − 𝛾 4 ) + 𝛿 2 (𝑆4 − 𝛿 4 )
⇒ 𝐴 = 𝑆4 (𝛼 2 + 𝛽 2 + 𝛾 2 + 𝛿 2 ) − (𝛼 6 + 𝛽 6 + 𝛾 6 + 𝛿 6 )
⇒ 𝐴 = 𝑆2 𝑆4 − 𝑆6
⇒ 𝐴 = 10(54) − 292
∴ 𝐴 = 248 ∎

s09_qp_1_q1
Given:
• 𝑥4 − 𝑥3 − 1 = 0 has root 𝛼, 𝛽, 𝛾, 𝛿
• Find: 𝛼 6 + 𝛽 6 + 𝛾 6 + 𝛿 6 (using the substitution 𝑦 = 𝑥3 )
1
∵ 𝑦 = 𝑥3 ⇒ 𝑥 = 𝑦3
4
Substituting: 𝑦3 − 𝑦 − 1 = 0
⇒ 𝑦4 = (𝑦 + 1)3
⇒ 𝑦4 = 𝑦3 + 3𝑦2 + 3𝑦 + 1
⇒ 𝑦4 − 𝑦3 − 3𝑦2 − 3𝑦 − 1 = 0 has roots 𝛼 3 , 𝛽 3 , 𝛾 3 , 𝛿 3

2 2
Now, ∑ 𝛼 6 = ∑(𝛼 3 ) = (∑ 𝛼 3 ) − 2 ∑ 𝛼 3 𝛽 3
∴ ∑ 𝛼 6 = 12 − 2(−3) = 7 ∎

w09_qp_1_q5
Given: 𝑥3 + 5𝑥 + 3 = 0 has roots 𝛼, 𝛽, 𝛾
3 3 3
∵ 𝛼𝛽𝛾 = −3 ⇒ 𝛼𝛽 = − , 𝛽𝛾 = − , 𝛼𝛾 = −
𝛾 𝛼 𝛽
Let the cubic equation that has roots 𝛼𝛽, 𝛽𝛾 and 𝛾𝛼 have variable 𝑦, then:
3 3
⇒𝑦=− ⇒𝑥=−
𝑥 𝑦
3 3 3
Substituting: (− ) + 5 (− ) + 3 = 0
𝑦 𝑦
2 3
⇒ −27 − 15𝑦 + 3𝑦 = 0
∴ 𝑦3 − 5𝑦2 − 9 = 0 ∎

Find:
• 𝛽 2 𝛾 2 + 𝛾 2 𝛼 2 + 𝛼 2 𝛽 2 and
• 𝛽 3𝛾 3 + 𝛾 3𝛼3 + 𝛼3𝛽 3
Let 𝛼 ′ , 𝛽 ′ and 𝛾 ′ denote the roots of the 𝑦-equation:
∵ ∑ 𝛼 2 𝛽 2 = ∑(𝛼 ′ )2 = (∑ 𝛼 ′ )2 − 2 ∑ 𝛼 ′ 𝛽 ′
⇒ ∑ 𝛼 2 𝛽 2 = (−5)2 − 2(0)
∴ ∑ 𝛼 2 𝛽 2 = 25 ∎

From the 𝑦-equation, we have ∑(𝛼 ′ )3 − 5 ∑(𝛼 ′ )2 − 27 = 0 ⇔ ∑ 𝛼 3 𝛽 3 − 5 ∑ 𝛼 2 𝛽 2 − 27 = 0

⇒ ∑ 𝛼 3 𝛽 3 − 5(25) − 27 = 0
∴ ∑ 𝛼 3 𝛽 3 = 152 ∎

By: Daryl Hong

 13

s10_qp_11/12_q6
Given: 𝑥3 + 𝑥 − 1 = 0 has roots 𝛼, 𝛽, 𝛾
Let the equation that has roots 𝛼 2 , 𝛽 2 , 𝛾 2 have variable 𝑦: 𝑦 = 𝑥2 ⇒ 𝑥 = √𝑦
3 1
Substituting: 𝑦2 + 𝑦2 − 1 = 0
1
⇒ 𝑦2 (𝑦 + 1) = 1
⇒ 𝑦(𝑦2 + 2𝑦 + 1) = 1
∴ 𝑦3 + 2𝑦2 + 𝑦 − 1 = 0 (𝐀𝐆) ∎

Given: 𝑆𝑛 = 𝛼 𝑛 + 𝛽 𝑛 + 𝛾 𝑛
Let 𝛼 ′ , 𝛽 ′ , 𝛾 ′ denote the roots of the 𝑦-equation, then:
∴ 𝑆2 = ∑ 𝛼 ′ = −2

⇒ 𝑆4 = ∑(𝛼 ′ )2 = (∑ 𝛼 ′ )2 − 2 ∑ 𝛼 ′ 𝛽 ′ = (−2)2 − 2(1)

∴ 𝑆4 = 2 ∎

Find: 𝑆6 and 𝑆8
For the 𝑦-equation, let 𝑆𝑛′ = (𝛼 ′ )𝑛 + (𝛽 ′ )𝑛 + (𝛾 ′ )𝑛 ≡ 𝛼 2𝑛 + 𝛽 2𝑛 + 𝛾 2𝑛
∵ 𝑦𝑛+3 + 2𝑦𝑛+2 + 𝑦𝑛+1 − 𝑦𝑛 = 0 (since 𝑦 ≠ 0)
′ ′ ′
⇒ 𝑆𝑛+3 + 2𝑆𝑛+2 + 𝑆𝑛+1 − 𝑆𝑛′ = 0
Let 𝑛 = 0 ⇒ 𝑆3′ + 2𝑆2′ + 𝑆1′ − 𝑆0′ = 0 ⇔ 𝑆6 + 2𝑆4 + 𝑆2 − 3 = 0
⇒ 𝑆6 = −2(2) − (−2) + 3
∴ 𝑆6 = 1 ∎

s10_qp_13_q10
Given: 𝑥4 + 𝑥3 + 𝑐𝑥2 + 4𝑥 − 2 = 0 has roots 𝛼, 𝛽, 𝛾, 𝛿
1 1 1 1
Let the equation that has roots , , , have variable 𝑦, then:
𝛼 𝛽 𝛾 𝛿
1 1
∴𝑦= ⇒𝑥=
𝑥 𝑦
1 4 1 3 1 2 1
Substituting: ( ) + ( ) + 𝑐 ( ) + 4 ( ) − 2 = 0
𝑦 𝑦 𝑦 𝑦
2 3 4
⇒ 1 + 𝑦 + 𝑐𝑦 + 4𝑦 − 2𝑦 = 0
∴ 2𝑦4 − 4𝑦3 − 𝑐𝑦2 − 𝑦 − 1 = 0 ∎

∵ ∑ 𝛼 2 = (∑ 𝛼)2 − 2 ∑ 𝛼𝛽 = (−1)2 − 2(𝑐)

∴ ∑ 𝛼 2 = 1 − 2𝑐

2 2
Using the 𝑦-equation: ∑ 𝛼 −2 = ∑(𝛼 −1 ) = (∑ 𝛼 −1 ) − 2(∑ 𝛼 −1 𝛽 −1 )
1 4 2 𝑐
⇒ = − − − 2 (− )
∑ 𝛼 2 [ ( 2)] 2
1
∴ =4+𝑐 ∎
∑ 𝛼2

1 2 1
∵ (𝛼− ) = 𝛼2 − 2 + 2)
∑ 𝛼 ∑( 𝛼
1 2 1
∵ 𝛼 − = 𝛼 2 − 2(4) + = (1 − 2𝑐) − 8 + (4 + 𝑐)
∑( 𝛼 ) ∑ ∑ 𝛼2
1 2
∴ 𝛼 − ) = −𝑐 − 3 ∎
∑( 𝛼

[solution to part (iv) is on the next page]

By: Daryl Hong

 14

1 2
∵ When 𝑐 = 3, 𝛼 − =0
∑( 𝛼)
⇒ Assuming all of 𝛼, 𝛽, 𝛾, 𝛿 are real, then the only possible values of 𝛼, 𝛽, 𝛾, 𝛿 are ±1
∵ 𝛼𝛽𝛾𝛿 = −2 ⇒ 𝛼, 𝛽, 𝛾, 𝛿 ≠ ±1
∴ Hence not all roots of the equation are real (𝐀𝐆) ∎

w10_qp_1_q7
Given:
• 𝑥3 + 4𝑥 − 1 = 0 has roots 𝛼, 𝛽, 𝛾
• Show: 6𝑦3 − 7𝑦2 + 3𝑦 − 1 = 0 has roots (𝛼 + 1)−1 , (𝛽 + 1)−1 , (𝛾 + 1)−1

Let the equation that has roots (𝛼 + 1)−1 , (𝛽 + 1)−1 , (𝛾 + 1)−1 have variable 𝑦, then:
1 1−𝑦
∴𝑦= ⇒𝑥=
1+𝑥 𝑦
1−𝑦 3 1−𝑦
Substituting: ( ) + 4( −1= 0
𝑦 𝑦 )
⇒ (1 − 𝑦)3 + 4𝑦2 (1 − 𝑦) − 𝑦3 = 0
⇒ 1 − 3𝑦 + 3𝑦2 − 𝑦3 + 4𝑦2 − 4𝑦3 − 𝑦3 = 0
⇒ 1 − 3𝑦 + 7𝑦2 − 6𝑦3 = 0
∴ 6𝑦3 − 7𝑦2 + 3𝑦 − 1 = 0 (𝐀𝐆) ∎

1 1 1
Let 𝑆𝑛 = + + :
(𝛼 + 1)𝑛 (𝛽 + 1)𝑛 (𝛾 + 1)𝑛
Now let 𝛼 ′ , 𝛽 ′ , 𝛾 ′ denote the roots of the 𝑦-equation:
7
∴ 𝑆1 = ∑ 𝛼 ′ =
6
∵ 𝑆2 = ∑(𝛼 ′ )2 = (∑ 𝛼 ′ )2 − 2 ∑ 𝛼 ′ 𝛽 ′
7 2 3 13
∴ 𝑆2 = ( ) − 2 ( ) = ∎
6 6 36

∵ 6𝑦3 − 7𝑦2 + 3𝑦 − 1 = 0 ⇒ 6𝑆3 − 7𝑆2 + 3𝑆1 − 3 = 0

13 7
⇒ 6𝑆3 − 7 ( ) + 3 ( ) − 3 = 0
36 6
73
∴ 𝑆3 = ∎
216
(𝛽 + 1)(𝛾 + 1) (𝛾 + 1)(𝛼 + 1) (𝛼 + 1)(𝛽 + 1) 73
Show: + + =
(𝛼 + 1)2 (𝛽 + 1)2 (𝛾 + 1)2 36

1 1
⇒ 𝛼′𝛽 ′𝛾 ′ = =
(𝛼 + 1)(𝛽 + 1)(𝛾 + 1) 6

(𝛽 + 1)(𝛾 + 1) (𝛾 + 1)(𝛼 + 1) (𝛼 + 1)(𝛽 + 1)

Let 𝐴 = + + :
(𝛼 + 1)2 (𝛽 + 1)2 (𝛾 + 1)2
1 1 1
⇒ 𝐴 = (𝛼 + 1)(𝛽 + 1)(𝛾 + 1) + +
[(𝛼 + 1) 3 (𝛽 + 1) 3 (𝛾 + 1)3 ]
∑(𝛼 ′ )−3 1 −1 73
⇒𝐴= ′ ′ ′ =( ) ×
𝛼𝛽 𝛾 6 216
73
∴𝐴= (𝐀𝐆) ∎
36

By: Daryl Hong

 15

s11_qp_11/12_q2
𝛽
Given: 𝑥3 + 𝑝𝑥2 + 𝑞𝑥 + 𝑟 = 0 has roots , 𝛽, 𝑘𝛽, where 𝑝, 𝑞, 𝑟, 𝑘, 𝛽 ≠ 0
𝑘
𝑞
Show: 𝛽 = −
𝑝
𝛽 𝛽
∑ 𝛼 = + 𝛽 + 𝑘𝛽 = −𝑝 2
𝑘 𝑘 (1 + 𝑘 + 𝑘 ) = −𝑝 … (𝟏)
𝛽 𝛽
From the equation, ∑ 𝛼𝛽 = (𝛽) + 𝛽(𝑘𝛽) + 𝑘𝛽 ( ) = −𝑞 ⇒ 𝛽 2 2
𝑘 𝑘
𝑘 (1 + 𝑘 + 𝑘) = −𝑞 … (𝟐)
𝛽
{ 𝛼𝛽𝛾 = (𝛽)(𝑘𝛽) = −𝑟 { 𝛽 3 = −𝑟 … (𝟑)
𝑘
𝛽 2 (1 + 𝑘2 + 𝑘) 𝑘 𝑞
(𝟐) ÷ (𝟏): × =−
𝑘 𝛽(1 + 𝑘 + 𝑘 )
2 𝑝
𝑞
∴ 𝛽 = − (𝐀𝐆) ∎
𝑝

Show: 𝑟𝑝3 = 𝑞 3
𝑞 3
By (𝟑): − = −𝑟
( 𝑝)
∴ 𝑟𝑝3 = 𝑞 3 (𝐀𝐆) ∎

w11_qp_11/12_q1
Given: 𝑥3 + 𝑝𝑥 + 𝑞 = 0 has a repeated root
Show: 4𝑝3 + 27𝑞 2 = 0
Let the roots of the equation be 𝛼, 𝛽, 𝛾:
Now let 𝛽 be the repeated root, i.e. the roots are 𝛼, 𝛽, 𝛽 [𝛾 = 𝛽]
𝛼 + 𝛽 + 𝛾 = −0 𝛼 + 2𝛽 = −0 … (𝟏)
∵ From the equation, 𝛼𝛽 + 𝛽𝛾 + 𝛾𝛼 = −𝑝 ⇒ 2𝛼𝛽 + 𝛽 2 = −𝑝 … (𝟐)
{ 𝛼𝛽𝛾 = −𝑞 { 𝛼𝛽 2 = −𝑞 … (𝟑)
From (𝟏): 𝛼 = −2𝛽
From (𝟐): 2(−2𝛽)(𝛽) + 𝛽 2 = 𝑝 ⇒ 𝑝 = −3𝛽 2
From (𝟑): (−2𝛽)𝛽 2 = −𝑞 ⇒ 𝑞 = 2𝛽 3
𝑞 1 𝑞 2
Eliminating 𝛽: 𝛽 = ( )3 ⇒ 𝑝 = −3 ( )3
2 2
2
𝑞
⇒ 𝑝3 = −27
(4)
3 2
∴ 4𝑝 + 27𝑞 = 0 (𝐀𝐆) ∎

s11_qp_13_q3
𝛼 + 𝛽 + 𝛾 = −6
Given: A cubic equation has roots 𝛼, 𝛽, 𝛾 such that 𝛼 2 + 𝛽 2 + 𝛾 2 = 38
{ 𝛼𝛽𝛾 = 30
Let the cubic equation be 𝑥3 + 𝑝𝑥2 + 𝑞𝑥 + 𝑟 = 0:
⇒ ∑ 𝛼 = −𝑝, ∑ 𝛼𝛽 = 𝑞, 𝛼𝛽𝛾 = −𝑟
∴ 𝑝 = 6, 𝑟 = −30

Now, ∑ 𝛼 2 = (∑ 𝛼)2 − 2 ∑ 𝛼𝛽 ⇒ 38 = (−6)2 − 2𝑞

∴ 𝑞 = −1

∴ The cubic equation is 𝑥3 + 6𝑥2 − 𝑥 − 30 = 0 ∎

[solution to part (ii) is on the next page]

By: Daryl Hong

 16

Find: The numerical values of the roots

⇒ 𝑥3 + 6𝑥2 − 𝑥 − 30 = 0
⇒ (𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 + 5) = 0
∴ 𝑥 = 2, −3, −5
∴ The roots are 𝛼 = 2, 𝛽 = −3, 𝛾 = −5 (in any order) ∎

w11_qp_13_q3
Given: 𝑥3 + 5𝑥2 − 3𝑥 − 15 = 0 has roots 𝛼, 𝛽, 𝛾
⇒ 𝛼 2 + 𝛽 2 + 𝛾 2 = (∑ 𝛼)2 − 2 ∑ 𝛼𝛽 = (−5)2 − 2(−3)
∴ 𝛼 2 + 𝛽 2 + 𝛾 2 = 31 ∎

1 𝛼 𝛽 1 𝛾 𝛼 𝛽 𝛼 𝛽
⇒ 𝛼 1 𝛾 = 1 |𝛾 1 | − 𝛼 | 𝛾 1 | + 𝛽 | 1 𝛾 | (for example)
|𝛽 𝛾 1 |
𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 = 1 − 𝛾 2 − 𝛼(𝛼 − 𝛽𝛾) + 𝛽(𝛼𝛾 − 𝛽)
𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 = 1 − 𝛾 2 − 𝛼 2 + 𝛼𝛽𝛾 + 𝛽𝛼𝛾 − 𝛽 2
𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 = −(𝛼 2 + 𝛽 2 + 𝛾 2 ) + 2𝛼𝛽𝛾 + 1
𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 = −31 + 2(15) + 1
1 𝛼 𝛽
∴ 𝛼 1 𝛾 =0
|𝛽 𝛾 1 |
1 𝛼 𝛽
∴ The matrix 𝛼 1 𝛾 is singular (𝐀𝐆) ∎
(𝛽 𝛾 1)

s12_qp_11/12_q1
Given: 𝑥3 − 7𝑥2 + 2𝑥 − 3 = 0 has roots 𝛼, 𝛽, 𝛾
From the equation, ∑ 𝛼 = 7, ∑ 𝛼𝛽 = 2, 𝛼𝛽𝛾 = 3
⇒ ∑ 𝛼 2 = (∑ 𝛼)2 − 2 ∑ 𝛼𝛽 = 72 − 2(2)
∴ ∑ 𝛼 2 = 45 ∎

∵ 𝑥3 − 7𝑥2 + 2𝑥 − 3 = 0 ⇒ ∑ 𝛼 3 − 7 ∑ 𝛼 2 + 2 ∑ 𝛼 − 3(3) = 0
⇒ ∑ 𝛼 3 − 7(45) + 2(7) − 3(3) = 0
∴ ∑ 𝛼 3 = 310 ∎

s12_qp_13_q8
Given: 𝑥3 − 𝑥2 − 3𝑥 − 10 = 0 has roots 𝛼, 𝛽, 𝛾 and 𝑢 = −𝛼 + 𝛽 + 𝛾
∵ 𝑢 = −𝛼 + 𝛽 + 𝛾 ⇒ 𝑢 + 2𝛼 = 2𝛼 − 𝛼 + 𝛽 + 𝛾
⇒ 𝑢 + 2𝛼 = 𝛼 + 𝛽 + 𝛾
∴ 𝑢 + 2𝛼 = 1 (∵ 𝛼 + 𝛽 + 𝛾 = 1)
(𝛼 − 𝛽 + 𝛾) + 2𝛽 = ∑ 𝛼 = 1
Similarly, {
(𝛼 + 𝛽 − 𝛾) + 2𝛽 = ∑ 𝛼 = 1
Let the cubic equation that has roots −𝛼 + 𝛽 + 𝛾, 𝛼 − 𝛽 + 𝛾, 𝛼 + 𝛽 − 𝛾 have variable 𝑢, then:
1−𝑢
∴ 𝑢 + 2𝑥 = 1 ⇒ 𝑥 =
2
1−𝑢 3 1−𝑢 2 1−𝑢
Substituting into the 𝑥-equation: ( ) −( − 3( − 10 = 0
2 2 ) 2 )
⇒ (1 − 𝑢)3 − 2(1 − 𝑢)2 − 12(1 − 𝑢) − 80 = 0
⇒ (1 − 3𝑢 + 3𝑢2 − 𝑢3 ) − 2(1 − 2𝑢 + 𝑢2 ) − 12(1 − 𝑢) − 80 = 0

By: Daryl Hong

 17

⇒ −𝑢3 + 𝑢2 + 13𝑢 − 93 = 0
∴ 𝑢3 − 𝑢2 − 13𝑢 + 93 = 0 ∎

1 1 1
Find: A cubic equation (∗) with roots , ,
𝛽𝛾 𝛼𝛾 𝛼𝛽
1 𝛼 1 𝛽 1 𝛾
∵ 𝛼𝛽𝛾 = 10 ⇒ = , = , =
𝛽𝛾 10 𝛼𝛾 10 𝛼𝛽 10
Let (∗) have variable v, then:
𝑥
∴v= ⇒ 𝑥 = 10v ⇒ (10v)3 − (10v)2 − 3(10v) − 10 = 0
10
∴ 100v3 − 10v2 − 3v − 1 = 0 ∎

w12_qp_11/12_q11E
Given:
• 𝑥4 − 3𝑥2 + 5𝑥 − 2 = 0 has roots 𝛼, 𝛽, 𝛾, 𝛿;
• 𝑆𝑛 = 𝛼 𝑛 + 𝛽 𝑛 + 𝛾 𝑛 + 𝛿 𝑛
𝛼 𝑛+4 − 3𝛼 𝑛+2 + 5𝛼 𝑛+1 − 2𝛼 𝑛 = 0 … (𝟏)
𝛽 𝑛+4 − 3𝛽 𝑛+2 + 5𝛽 𝑛+1 − 2𝛽 𝑛 = 0 … (𝟐)
⇒ 𝑥𝑛+4 − 3𝑥𝑛+2 + 5𝑥𝑛+1 − 2𝑥𝑛 = 0 (∵ 𝑥 ≠ 0) 𝑛+4
𝛾 − 3𝛾 𝑛+2 + 5𝛾 𝑛+1 − 2𝛾 𝑛 = 0 … (𝟑)
𝑛+4
{𝛿 − 3𝛿 𝑛+2 + 5𝛿 𝑛+1 − 2𝛿 𝑛 = 0 … (𝟒)
(𝟏) + (𝟐) + (𝟑) + (𝟒): 𝑆𝑛+4 − 3𝑆𝑛+2 + 5𝑆𝑛+1 − 2𝑆𝑛 = 0 (𝐀𝐆) ∎ (∗)

Find: 𝑆2 and 𝑆4
From the given equation, ∑ 𝛼 (⇔ 𝑆1 ) = 0, ∑ 𝛼𝛽 = −3, ∑ 𝛼𝛽𝛾 = −5, 𝛼𝛽𝛾𝛿 = −2
∵ 𝑆2 = (∑ 𝛼)2 − 2 ∑ 𝛼𝛽 = 02 − 2(−3)
∴ 𝑆2 = 6

Using 𝑛 = 0 in (∗): 𝑆4 − 3𝑆2 + 5𝑆1 − 2𝑆0 = 0

⇒ 𝑆4 − 3(6) + 5(0) − 2(4) = 0 [𝑆0 = 𝛼 0 + 𝛽 0 + 𝛾 0 + 𝛿 0 ]
∴ 𝑆4 = 26 ∎

Find: 𝑆3 and 𝑆5
Using 𝑛 = −1 in (∗): 𝑆3 − 3𝑆1 + 5𝑆0 − 2𝑆−1 = 0
1 1 1 1 𝛽𝛾𝛿 + 𝛼𝛾𝛿 + 𝛼𝛽𝛿 + 𝛼𝛽𝛾 ∑ 𝛼𝛽𝛾
∵ 𝑆−1 = + + + = =
𝛼 𝛽 𝛾 𝛿 𝛼𝛽𝛾𝛿 𝛼𝛽𝛾𝛿
−5 5
∴ 𝑆−1 = =
−2 2
5
⇒ 𝑆3 − 3(0) + 5(4) − 2 ( ) = 0
2
∴ 𝑆3 = −15 ∎

Using 𝑛 = 1 in (∗): 𝑆5 − 3𝑆3 + 5𝑆2 − 2𝑆1 = 0

⇒ 𝑆5 − 3(−15) + 5(6) − 2(0) = 0
∴ 𝑆5 = −75 ∎

Let 𝑆 = 𝛼 2 (𝛽 3 + 𝛾 3 + 𝛿 3 ) + 𝛽 2 (𝛾 3 + 𝛿 3 + 𝛼 3 ) + 𝛾 2 (𝛿 3 + 𝛼 3 + 𝛽 3 ) + 𝛿 3 (𝛼 3 + 𝛽 3 + 𝛾 3 ):
⇒ 𝑆 = 𝛼 2 (𝑆3 − 𝛼 3 ) + 𝛽 2 (𝑆3 − 𝛽 3 ) + 𝛾 2 (𝑆3 − 𝛾 3 ) + 𝛿 2 (𝑆3 − 𝛿 3 )
⇒ 𝑆 = (𝛼 2 + 𝛽 2 + 𝛾 2 + 𝛿 2 )𝑆3 − (𝛼 5 + 𝛽 5 + 𝛾 5 + 𝛿 5 )
⇒ 𝑆 = 𝑆2 𝑆3 − 𝑆5
⇒ 𝑆 = 6(−15) − (−75)
∴ 𝑆 = −15 ∎

By: Daryl Hong

 18

w12_qp_13_q7
Given:
• A cubic equation has roots 𝛼, 𝛽, 𝛾
• such that ∑ 𝛼 = 4, ∑ 𝛼 2 = 14, ∑ 𝛼 3 = 34
• Find: ∑ 𝛼𝛽

∵ (∑ 𝛼)2 = ∑ 𝛼 2 + 2 ∑ 𝛼𝛽 ⇒ 42 = 14 + 2 ∑ 𝛼𝛽
∴ ∑ 𝛼𝛽 = 1 ∎

Let the cubic equation be 𝑥3 + 𝑝𝑥2 + 𝑞𝑥 + 𝑟 = 0, then:

⇒ ∑ 𝛼 = −𝑝, ∑ 𝛼𝛽 = 𝑞, 𝛼𝛽𝛾 = −𝑟
∴ 𝑝 = −4, 𝑞 = 1

∵ 𝑥3 − 4𝑥2 + 𝑥 + 𝑟 = 0 ⇒ ∑ 𝛼 3 − 4 ∑ 𝛼 2 + ∑ 𝛼 + 3𝑟 = 0
⇒ 34 − 4(14) + 4 + 3𝑟 = 0
∴𝑟=6

∴ The cubic equation is 𝑥3 − 4𝑥2 + 𝑥 + 6 = 0

⇒ (𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 − 3) = 0
∴ 𝑥 = −1, 2, 3 ∎

Alternative for finding 𝒓: Using formula for ∑ 𝛼 3

∵ ∑ 𝛼 3 = (∑ 𝛼)(∑ 𝛼 2 − ∑ 𝛼𝛽 ) + 3𝛼𝛽𝛾 [𝑜𝑟 ∑ 𝛼 3 = (∑ 𝛼)3 − 3(∑ 𝛼)(∑ 𝛼𝛽) + 3𝛼𝛽𝛾 ]
⇒ 34 = 4(14 − 1) + 3(−𝑟)
∴𝑟=6

s13_qp_11/12_q3
Given:
• 𝑥3 − 2𝑥2 − 3𝑥 + 4 = 0 has roots 𝛼, 𝛽, 𝛾
• 𝑐 =𝛼+𝛽 +𝛾

∴𝑐=2

Find: A cubic equation whose roots are 𝛼 + 𝛽, 𝛽 + 𝛾, 𝛾 + 𝛼

𝛼+𝛽 =𝑐−𝛾
∵𝑐 =𝛼+𝛽+𝛾 𝛽 +𝛾 =𝑐−𝛼
{𝛾 + 𝛼 = 𝑐 − 𝛽
Let the cubic equation have variable 𝑦, then:
∴ 𝑦 = 𝑐 − 𝑥 ⇒ 𝑥 = 𝑐 − 𝑦, i.e. 𝑥 = 2 − 𝑦

Substituting into the 𝑥-equation: (2 − 𝑦)3 − 2(2 − 𝑦)2 − 3(2 − 𝑦) + 4 = 0

⇒ (8 − 12𝑦 + 6𝑦2 − 𝑦3 ) − 2(4 − 4𝑦 + 𝑦2 ) + (3𝑦 − 6) + 4 = 0
⇒ −𝑦3 + 4𝑦2 − 𝑦 − 2 = 0
∴ 𝑦3 − 4𝑦2 + 𝑦 + 2 = 0 ∎

1 1 1
Let the cubic equation thta has roots , , have variable 𝑧, then:
𝛼+𝛽 𝛽 +𝛾 𝛾 +𝛼
1 1
∴𝑧= ⇒𝑦=
𝑦 𝑧
1 3 1 2 1
Substituting into the 𝑦-equation: ( ) − 4 ( ) + ( ) + 2 = 0
𝑧 𝑧 𝑧
∴ 2𝑧3 + 𝑧2 − 4𝑧 + 1 = 0 ∎

By: Daryl Hong

 19

1
⇒ = ∑(𝛼 ′ )2 = (∑ 𝛼 ′ )2 − 2∑ 𝛼 ′ 𝛽 ′
∑ (𝛼 + 𝛽)2
1 1 2 17 1
∴ = (− − 2(−2) = =4 ) ∎
∑ (𝛼 + 𝛽)2 2) 4 ( 4

s13_qp_13_q2
Given:
• The roots of 𝑥4 − 4𝑥2 + 3𝑥 − 2 = 0 are 𝛼, 𝛽, 𝛾 and 𝛿
• 𝑆𝑛 = 𝛼 𝑛 + 𝛽 𝑛 + 𝛾 𝑛 + 𝛿 𝑛

Show: 𝛼 2 , 𝛽 2 , 𝛾 2 and 𝛿 2 are the roots of 𝑦4 − 8𝑦3 + 12𝑦2 + 7𝑦 + 4 = 0

1
∵ 𝑦 = 𝑥2 ⇒ 𝑥 = 𝑦2
1
Substituting: 𝑦2 − 4𝑦 + 3𝑦2 − 2 = 0
1 2
⇒ −3𝑦2 = 𝑦2 − 4𝑦 − 2 ⇒ 9𝑦 = (𝑦2 − 4𝑦 − 2)
⇒ 9𝑦 = 𝑦4 + 16𝑦2 + 4 + 2(−4𝑦3 + 8𝑦 − 2𝑦2 )
∴ 𝑦4 − 8𝑦3 + 12𝑦2 + 7𝑦 + 4 = 0 (𝐀𝐆) ∎

For the 𝑦-equation, let 𝛼 ′ , 𝛽 ′ , 𝛾 ′ and 𝛿 ′ denote its roots, and 𝑆𝑛′ = (𝛼 ′ )𝑛 + (𝛽 ′ )𝑛 + (𝛾 ′ )𝑛 + (𝛿 ′ )𝑛
⇒ 𝑆𝑛′ = 𝛼 2𝑛 + 𝛽 2𝑛 + 𝛾 2𝑛 + 𝛿 2𝑛 = 𝑆2𝑛
∴ 𝑆2 = ∑ 𝛼 ′ (= 𝑆1′ ) = 8
Now, from the 𝑦-equation: 𝑆4′ − 8𝑆3′ + 12𝑆2′ + 7𝑆1′ + 4(4) = 0
⇒ 𝑆8 − 8𝑆6 + 12𝑆4 + 7(8) + 16 = 0
∴ 𝑆8 = 8𝑆6 − 12𝑆4 − 72 (𝐀𝐆) ∎

w13_qp_11/12_q2
Given: 𝑥3 − 𝑝𝑥 − 𝑞 = 0 has roots 𝛼, 𝛽 and 𝛾
Show: 𝛼 2 + 𝛽 2 + 𝛾 2 = 2𝑝
∵ ∑ 𝛼 2 = (∑ 𝛼)2 − 2 ∑ 𝛼𝛽 = 02 − 2(−𝑝)
∴ ∑ 𝛼 2 = 2𝑝 (𝐀𝐆) ∎

Show: 𝛼 3 + 𝛽 3 + 𝛾 3 = 3𝑞
From the 𝑥-equation, ∑ 𝛼 3 − 𝑝 ∑ 𝛼 − 3𝑞 = 0
⇒ ∑ 𝛼 3 − 𝑝(0) − 3𝑞 = 0
∴ ∑ 𝛼 3 = 3𝑞 (𝐀𝐆) ∎

Show: 6(𝛼 5 + 𝛽 5 + 𝛾 5 ) = 5(𝛼 3 + 𝛽 3 + 𝛾 3 )(𝛼 2 + 𝛽 2 + 𝛾 2 )

Similarly, 𝑥5 − 𝑝𝑥3 − 𝑞𝑥2 = 0 ⇒ ∑ 𝛼 5 − 𝑝 ∑ 𝛼 3 − 𝑞 ∑ 𝛼 2 = 0
⇒ ∑ 𝛼 5 = 𝑝(3𝑞) + 𝑞(2𝑝) = 5𝑝𝑞
5 ∑ 𝛼2 ∑ 𝛼3
⇒ 𝛼 =5
∑ ( 2 )( 3 )
∴ 6 ∑ 𝛼 = 5 ∑ 𝛼 3 ∑ 𝛼 2 (𝐀𝐆) ∎
5

By: Daryl Hong

 20

w13_qp_13_q5
Given: 8𝑥3 + 36𝑥2 + 𝑘𝑥 − 21 = 0 has roots 𝑎 − 𝑑, 𝑎, 𝑎 + 𝑑
From the 𝑥-equation, ∑ 𝛼 = − 36
8
= − 92 , ∑ 𝛼𝛽 = 18 𝑘, 𝛼𝛽𝛾 = 21
8
∵ ∑ 𝛼 = (𝑎 − 𝑑) + 𝑎 + (𝑎 + 𝑑) = 3𝑎
9 3
⇒ 3𝑎 = − ⇒ 𝑎 = −
2 2

∵ 𝛼𝛽𝛾 = (𝑎 − 𝑑)(𝑎)(𝑎 + 𝑑) = 𝑎(𝑎2 − 𝑑 2 )

3 3 2 21
⇒ (− ) [(− ) − 𝑑 2 ] =
2 2 8
2
⇒𝑑 =4
∴ 𝑑 = ±2

∵ ∑ 𝛼𝛽 = (𝑎 − 𝑑)𝑎 + 𝑎(𝑎 + 𝑑) + (𝑎 − 𝑑)(𝑎 + 𝑑)

∵ ∑ 𝛼𝛽 = 𝑎2 − 𝑎𝑑 + 𝑎2 + 𝑎𝑑 + 𝑎2 − 𝑑 2 = 3𝑎2 − 𝑑 2
1 3 2
⇒ 𝑘 = 3 (− ) − 4
8 2
∴ 𝑘 = 22 ∎

⇒ The numerical values of the roots are − 32 ∓ 2, − 32 , − 32 ± 2

7 3 1
∴ 𝑥 = − ,− , ∎
2 2 2

w14_qp_11/12/13_q11E
Given: 𝑥4 + 4𝑥3 + 2𝑥2 − 4𝑥 + 1 = 0 has roots 𝛼, 𝛽, 𝛾, 𝛿
⇒ ∑ 𝛼 = −4, ∑ 𝛼𝛽 = 2, ∑ 𝛼𝛽𝛾 = 4, 𝛼𝛽𝛾𝛿 = 1

∴ 𝛼 + 𝛽 + 𝛾 + 𝛿 = −4 ∎

⇒ 𝛼 2 + 𝛽 2 + 𝛾 2 + 𝛿 2 ≡ ∑ 𝛼 2 = (∑ 𝛼)2 − 2 ∑ 𝛼𝛽
⇒ 𝛼 2 + 𝛽 2 + 𝛾 2 + 𝛿 2 = (−4)2 − 2(2)
∴ 𝛼 2 + 𝛽 2 + 𝛾 2 + 𝛿 2 = 12 ∎

1 1 1 1 𝛽𝛾𝛿 + 𝛼𝛾𝛿 + 𝛼𝛽𝛿 + 𝛼𝛽𝛾 ∑ 𝛼𝛽𝛾 4

⇒ + + + = = =
𝛼 𝛽 𝛾 𝛿 𝛼𝛽𝛾𝛿 𝛼𝛽𝛾𝛿 1
1 1 1 1
∴ + + + =4∎
𝛼 𝛽 𝛾 𝛿

𝛼 𝛽 𝛾 𝛿 𝛼 2 + 𝛽 2 + 𝛾 2 + 𝛿 2 12
⇒ + + + = =
𝛽𝛾𝛿 𝛼𝛾𝛿 𝛼𝛽𝛿 𝛼𝛽𝛾 𝛼𝛽𝛾𝛿 1
𝛼 𝛽 𝛾 𝛿
∴ + + + = 12 ∎
𝛽𝛾𝛿 𝛼𝛾𝛿 𝛼𝛽𝛿 𝛼𝛽𝛾

∵𝑦=𝑥+1⇒𝑥=𝑦−1
Substituting: (𝑦 − 1)4 + 4(𝑦 − 1)3 + 2(𝑦 − 1)2 − 4(𝑦 − 1) + 1 = 0
⇒ (𝑦4 − 4𝑦3 + 6𝑦2 − 4𝑦 + 1) + 4(𝑦3 − 3𝑦2 + 3𝑦 − 1) + 2(𝑦2 − 2𝑦 + 1) − 4𝑦 + 4 + 1 = 0
⇒ (𝑦4 − 4𝑦3 + 6𝑦2 − 4𝑦 + 1) + (4𝑦3 − 12𝑦2 + 12𝑦 − 4) + (2𝑦2 − 4𝑦 + 2) − 4𝑦 + 5 = 0
∴ 𝑦4 − 4𝑦2 + 4 = 0
2
⇒ (𝑦2 − 2) = 0
⇒ 𝑦2 = 2
∴ 𝑦 = ±√2 (twice) ∎ (i.e. √2 and −√2 are repeated roots)

By: Daryl Hong