IOQM Special DPP

(Source: Vikas Tiwari Sir Book)

Compiled by Prashant Jain (PJ Sir)
Follow him on Telegram @prmo2020
Solved Example
1. Solve for 𝑥 ∶ 2𝑝(𝑝 − 2)𝑥 = (𝑝 − 2)

Sol. 2𝑝(𝑝 − 2)𝑥 = (𝑝 − 2) (1)

(𝑝−2)
⇒𝑥= (2)
2𝑝(𝑝−2)

If p = 0 or 2, the above Eq. (2) in undefined.

However, if p = 0, then Eq. (1) becomes 0 = -2, which is inconsistent. Hence, no value of x will satisfy
Eq. (1), and there is no solution for p = 0.

If p = 2, then by Eq. (1), 0 = -0.

Thus, every value from the domain of x will satisfy Eq. (1) and hence, there exists an infinite number
of solution for Eq. (1), when p = 2.
1
If 𝑝 ≠ 2, 𝑝 ≠ 0; then Eq. (2) is well-defined and the solution is 𝑥 = .
2𝑝

Aliter : 2𝑝(𝑝 − 2)𝑥 = 𝑝 − 1

⇒ 2𝑝(𝑝 − 2)𝑥 − (𝑝 − 2) = 0
⇒ (𝑝 − 2)(2𝑝𝑥 − 1) = 0
⇒ 𝑝 = 2 𝑜𝑟 2𝑝𝑥 = 1
1
⇒ 𝑝 = 2 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 =
2𝑝
Thus, p = 2 guarantees infinitely many values for x, where p = 2 is itself sufficient to get (p - 2)(2px -
1
1) = 0 and if, 𝑝 ≠ 2, 𝑥 = must be true and hence, p = 0 does not satisfy.
2𝑝

2. If x1 and x2 are non-zero roots of the equation 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 = 0, and −𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 = 0,

𝑎
respectively, prove that 𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 = 0 has a root between x1 and x2, where 𝑎 ≠ 0.
2

Sol. x1 and x2 are roots of

𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 = 0 (1)

and −𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 = 0 (2)

We have

𝑎𝑥12 + 𝑏𝑥1 + 𝑐 = 0

and −𝑎𝑥22 + 𝑏𝑥2 + 𝑐 = 0

 𝑎
Let, 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐.
2
𝑎
This 𝑓(𝑥1 ) = 𝑥12 + 𝑏𝑥1 + 𝑐 (3)
2
𝑎
𝑓(𝑥2 ) = 𝑥22 + 𝑏𝑥2 + 𝑐 (4)
2
1
Adding 𝑎𝑥12 in Eq. (3), we get
2
1
𝑓(𝑥1 ) + 𝑎𝑥12 = 𝑎𝑥12 + 𝑏𝑥1 + 𝑐 = 0
2
1
⇒ 𝑓(𝑥1 ) = − 𝑎𝑥12 (5)
2
3
Subtracting 𝑎𝑥22 from Eq. (4), we get
2
3
𝑓(𝑥2 ) − 𝑎𝑥22 = −𝑎𝑥22 + 𝑏𝑥2 + 𝑐 = 0
2
3
⇒ 𝑓(𝑥2 ) = 𝑎𝑥22 .
2

Thus, 𝑓(𝑥1 )𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑓(𝑥2 ) have opposite sings and hence, f(x) must have a root between x1 and x2.

9. A person who left home between 4 p.m. and 5 p. m. and 6 p. m. and found that the hands of his
watch has exactly changed places. When did he go out?

Sol. The dial of a clock is divided into 60 equal divisions. In one hour, the minute hand makes one
complete revolution, i.e., it moves through 60 divisions and the hour hand moves through 5
divisions.

Suppose, when the man went out, the hour hand was x divisions ahead of the point labeled 12 on
the dial, where 20 < x< 25 (as he went out between 4 p. m. and 5 p. m.). Also suppose, when the
man returned, the hour hand was y divisions ahead of zero mark and 25 < y < 30.

Since the minute hand and hour hand exactly interchanged places during the interval that the man
was out, the minute hand was at y when he went out and at x when he returned.

Since the minute hand moves 12 times as fast as the hour hand, we have

𝑦 = 12(𝑥 − 20)

and 𝑥 = 12(𝑦 − 25)

⇒ 𝑦 = 12[12(𝑦 − 25) − 20]

= 144 𝑦 − 3600 − 240

or 143𝑦 = 3840
3840 122
⇒𝑦= = 26
143 143
122
The minute hand was at y when he went out. So, he went out at 26 minutes past 4 p.m.
143
10. If 𝛼 13 = 1 and 𝛼 ≠ 1, find the quadratic equation whose roots are 𝛼 + 𝛼 3 + 𝛼 4 + 𝛼 −4 + 𝛼 −3 +
𝛼 −1 and 𝛼 2 + 𝛼 5 + 𝛼 6 + 𝛼 −6 + 𝛼 −5 + 𝛼 −2 .

Sol. Let

𝐴 = 𝛼 + 𝛼 3 + 𝛼 4 + 𝛼 −4 + 𝛼 −3 + 𝛼 −1

= 𝛼 + 𝛼 3 + 𝛼 4 + 𝛼 9 + 𝛼 10 + 𝛼 12 (∵ 𝛼 13 = 1)

and 𝐵 = 𝛼 2 + 𝛼 5 + 𝛼 6 + 𝛼 −6 + 𝛼 −5 + 𝛼 −2

= 𝛼 2 + 𝛼 5 + 𝛼 6 + 𝛼 7 + 𝛼 8 + 𝛼 11

𝐴 + 𝐵 = 𝛼 + 𝛼 2 + 𝛼 3 + 𝛼 4 + 𝛼 5 + 𝛼 7 + 𝛼 8 + 𝛼 9 + 𝛼 10 + 𝛼 11 + 𝛼 12

= (1 + 𝛼 + 𝛼 2 + 𝛼 3 + ⋯ + 𝛼 12 ) − 1
(𝛼 13 − 1)
= − 1 = −1
(𝛼 − 1)
(𝐴 × 𝐵) = (𝛼 + 𝛼 3 + 𝛼 4 + 𝛼 9 + 𝛼 10 + 𝛼 12 ) × (𝛼 2 + 𝛼 5 + 𝛼 6 + 𝛼 8 + 𝛼 11 )

= 3(𝛼 + 𝛼 2 + 𝛼 3 + ⋯ + 𝛼 12 )
= 3(−1) = −3.

Therefore, the required equation is 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 3 = 0.

11. Determine all pairs of positive integers (m, n), such that (1 + xn + x2n + … + xmn) is divisible by (1 +
x + x2 + … + xm).
𝑥 (𝑚+1)𝑛 −1
Sol. 1 + 𝑥 𝑛 + 𝑥 2𝑛 + ⋯ + 𝑥 𝑚𝑛 = (verify)
𝑥 𝑛 −1

𝑥 𝑚+1 −1
and 1 + 𝑥 + 𝑥2 + ⋯ + 𝑥𝑚 =
𝑥−1

1+𝑥 𝑛 +𝑥 2𝑛 +⋯+𝑥 𝑚𝑛
We must find m and n, so that is a polynomial in ‘x’, i.e.,
1+𝑥+𝑥 2 +⋯+𝑥 𝑚

𝑥 (𝑚+1)𝑛 − 1 𝑥 (𝑚+1) − 1 (𝑥 (𝑚+1) − 1)(𝑥 − 1)

÷ = 𝑛
𝑥𝑛 − 1 𝑥−1 (𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 𝑚+1 − 1)
Mus be a polynomial.

Now, if k and l are relatively prime, then (xk − 1) and (xl − 1) have just one common factor which is x -
1. For xk − 1 = 0, say 1, w1, w2, …, wk-1, are all distinct roots. Similarly, those of xl − 1 = 1, w1′, w2′, …,
wl’−1 are distinct roots.
2𝑛𝜋 2𝑛𝜋
By Demoivre’s theorem, the roots of xk − 1 = 0 are cos + 𝑖 sin for n = 0, 1, 2, …, k – 1 and
𝑘 𝑘
2𝑛𝜋 2𝑛𝜋
those of of xl − 1 = 0 are cos + 𝑖 sin for n = 0, 1, 2, …, l – 1. If l and K are coprime integer other
𝑙 𝑙
2𝑛𝜋 2𝑛𝜋 2𝑛𝜋 2𝑛𝜋
than zero, cos + 𝑖 sin and cos + 𝑖 sin , will be different.
𝑙 𝑙 𝑘 𝑘

Since, all the factors of xn(m+1) − 1 are distinct, xm+l − 1, xn − 1 cannot have any common factors other
than (x − 1). Thus, (m + 1) and ‘n’ must be relatively prime.
Again, xn(m+1) − 1 = (xn)m+1 − 1 = (xm+1)n − 1.

So, xn(m+1) − 1 is divisible by (xn − 1) and, also by (xm+1) − 1

[𝑥 (𝑚+1)𝑛 −1](𝑥−1)
Thus (𝑥 𝑛 −1)(𝑥 𝑚+1 −1)
is a polynomial which shows that the condition (m + 1) and n must be relatively
prime is also sufficient.

13. If P(x) is a polynomial of degree n such that P(x) = 2x for x = 1, 2, 3, …, n + 1, find P(x + 2).
𝑚 𝑚 𝑚 𝑚
Sol. 2𝑚 = (1 + 1)𝑚 = ( ) + ( ) + ( ) + ⋯ + ( ) for m = 1, 2, …, n + 1.
0 1 2 𝑚
𝑥−1 𝑥−1 𝑥−1 𝑥−1
Now, consider the polynomial 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 2 [( )+( )+( )+ ⋯+( )]
0 1 2 𝑛
𝑥−1 (𝑥−1)(𝑥−2)…(𝑥−𝑟)
Where ( )=
𝑟 𝑟!

Clearly, f(x) is of degree n.

𝑟−1 𝑟−1 𝑟−1 𝑟−1 𝑟−1
Now, 𝑓(𝑟) = 2 [( )+( ) +⋯+ ( )+( ) +⋯+ ( )]
0 1 𝑟−1 𝑟 𝑛
Where 1 ≤ 𝑟 ≤ 𝑛 + 1
𝑟−1
But, ( ) = 0 for all k > r – 1 where k and r are integers
𝑘
So f(r) = 2 ⋅ 2r−1 = 2r for all r = 1, 2, …, n + 1

∴ Thus, f (x) is the required polynomial

𝑛+1 𝑛+1 𝑛+1
∴ = 𝑓 (𝑛 + 2) = 2 [( )+( ) + ⋯+ ( )]
0 1 𝑛
= 2[2𝑛+1 − 1] = 2𝑛+2 − 2

Similarly, 𝑝(𝑥 + 2) = 2𝑥+2 − 2.

14. If a, b, c, d are all real and a2 + b2 + c2 + d2 = ab + bc + cd + da, then show that a = b = c = d.

Sol. We have, 2(a2 + b2 + c2 + d2) − 2(ab + bc + cd + da) = 0

⇒ (a2 − 2ab + b2) + (b2 + c2 − 2bc) + (c2 + d2 − 2cd) + (d2 + a2 − 2da) = 0

⇒ (a − b)2 + (b − c)2 + (c − d)2 + (d − a)2 = 0

⇒ a = b, b = c, c = d, d = a

⇒ a = b = c = d.

15. Determine x, y, z ∈ ℝ, such that 2x2 + y2 + 2z2 - 8x + 2y - 2xy + 2xz - 16z + 35 = 0.

Sol. 2x2 + y2 + 2z2 - 8x + 2y - 2xy + 2xz - 16z + 35 = 0

⇒ (x - y)2 + (x + z)2 + z2- 16z - 8x + 2y + 35 = 0

⇒ (x - y - l)2 + (x + z - 3)2 + z2- 10z + 25 = 0

⇒ (x - y - l)2 + (x + z - 3)2 + (z - 5)2 = 0

Thus, x - y = 1, x + z = 3, z = 5 and hence, x = -2, y = -3.

Thus, the solution is x = -2, y = -3 and z = 5.

16. Find all real numbers satisfying x8 + y8 = 8xy − 6.

Sol. We know x8 + y8 + 6 = 8xy.

⇒ x and y must be of same sign, otherwise LHS > 0 and RHS < 0

Moreover (x, y) is a solution ⇔ (-x, -y) also WLOG x, y > 0

Now x8 + y8 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 8xy

By AM-GM inequality.

x8 + y8 +1+1+1+1+1+1
8
≥ 8 × √𝑥 8 × 𝑦 8 × 1 × 1 × 1 × 1 × 1 × 1 × 1
8
≥ 8 × √𝑥 8 × 𝑦 8 = 8|𝑥 𝑦|

But, by hypothesis, equality holds. Hence, all the 8 terms are equal. Therefore,

x8 = y8 = 1.

Hence, (x, y) ≡ (1, 1), (-1, -1) is the solution set.

18. Solve the system

(x + y)(x + y + z) = 18

(y + z)(x + y + z) = 30

(z + x)(x + y + z) = 2L in terms of L.

Where x, y, z, L ∈ ℝ+

Sol. Adding the three equations, we get

2(x + y + z)2 = 48 + 2L

or 𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧 = √24 + 𝐿

Dividing the three equation by 𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧 = √24 + 𝐿, we get

18 24
𝑥+𝑦= , 𝑦 + 𝑧 = 30√24 + 𝐿, 𝑧 + 𝑥 = .
√24+𝐿 √24+𝐿

Also, by solving we get

 2
(√24+𝐿) −30 𝐿−6
𝑥= =
√24+𝐿 √24+𝐿

(24+𝐿)−2𝐿 24−𝐿
𝑦= = ,
√24+𝐿 √24+𝐿

24+𝐿−18 𝐿+6
and 𝑧= = where 6 < L < 24
√24+𝐿 √24+𝐿

19. Solve:

x+y-z=4 (1)

x2 - y2 + z2 = -4 (2)

xyz = 6 (3)

Where x, y, z ∈ ℝ

Sol. From Eq. (1), (x - z) = (4 - y)

⇒ x2 - 2xz + z2 = 16 - 8y + y2

⇒ (x2 + z2 - y2) - 2xz + 8y - 16 = 0

⇒ xz = 2(2y - 5) ( ∵ x2 + z2 - y2 = -4) (4)

From Eqs. (3) and (4), we get

y × 2(2y - 5) = 6

⇒ 2y2 - 5y - 3 = 0

⇒ (2y + l)(y - 3) = 0
1
⇒ y = − or y = 3.
2
1
Putting the value of y = − in Eqs. (1) and (3), we get
2
1
x − z = 4 and xz = -12
2

1 2
(x + z)2 = (x − z)2 + 4xz = (4 ) − 48 < 0
2

So, y = 3 is the only valid solution for y.

x - z = 1, xz = 2 (5)

⇒ (x + z)2 = (x - z)2 + 4xz = 9

⇒ x + z = ±3 (6)

Solving Eqs. (5) and (6), we get

x = 2 and z = 1 or x = -1 and z = -2.

So, the solution is x = 2, y = 3 and z = 1

or, x = -1, y = 3, z = -2.

20. Solve:

3x(x + y - 2) = 2y

y(x + y - 1) = 9x

Sol. 3x(x + y - 2) = 2y (1)

y(x + y - 1) = 9x (2)

Multiplying Eqs. (1) and (2), we get

3xy(x + y - 2)(x + y - 1) = 18xy

⇒ 3xy[(x + y - 2)(x + y - 1) - 6] = 0

⇒ 3xy[(x + y)2 - 3(x + y) - 4] = 0

⇒ 3xy(x + y - 4)(x + y + 1) = 0 (3)

So, x = 0 or y = 0 or x + y = 4 or x + y = -1. Putting x + y = 4 in Eq. (1), we get

6x = 2y

⇒ y = 3x

⇒ x = 1, y = 3

Putting x + y = -1 in. Eq. (1), we get

−9𝑥
𝑦=
2
−7
⇒ (2) 𝑥 = −1 (As x + y = -1)

2 −9
⇒ 𝑥= ,𝑦 =
7 7
Also, 𝑥 = 0 ⇔ 𝑦 = 0
2 −9
Thus, the solutions are (0, 0), (1, 3), ( , ).
7 7

21. Solve:

xy + x + y = 23

yz + y + z = 31

zx + z + x = 47.

Sol. We know

xy + x + y = 23 (1)
 yz + y + z = 31 (2)

zx + z + x = 47 (3)

Adding 1 in both sides of Eq. (1), we get

xy + x + y + 1 = 24

⇒ (x + l)(y + 1) = 24 (4)

Similarly, we get

(y + 1)(z + 1) = 32 (5)

and (z + 1)(x + 1) = 48 (6)

By multiplying Eqs. (4), (5) and (6), we get

(x + l)2(y + 1)2(z + 1)2 = 24 × 32 × 48

⇒ (x + l)(y + l)(z + 1) = ±(24 × 8)

Since none of (x + 1), (y + 1) and (z + 1) is zero, we get

z + 1 = ±8

x + 1 = ±6

y + 1 = ±4

Thus, we have two solutions x = 5, y = 3, z = 7 and x = -7, y = -5, z = -9.

Build-up Your Understanding 01

1. Find a fourth degree equation with rational coefficients, one of whose roots is, √3 + √7.
3
2. Find a polynomial equation of the lowest degree with rational coefficients whose one root is √2 +
3
3 √4.

3. Form the equation of the lowest degree with rational coefficients which has 2 + √3 and 3 + √2 as
two of its roots.

5. If a, b, c, d, e are all zeroes of the polynomial (6x5 + 5x4 + 4x3 + 3x2 + 2x + 1), find the value of (1 +
a) (1 + b) (1 + c) (1 + d) (1 + e).

7. If α, β, γ, δ be the roots of the equation x4 + px3 + qx2 + rx + s = 0, show that (1 + α2) (1 + β2) (1 + γ2)
(1 + δ2) = (1 – q + s)2 + (p – r)2.

8. If f(x) = x4 + ax3 + bx2 + cx + d is a polynomial such that f(1) =10, f(2) = 20, f(3) = 30, find the value of
𝑓(12)+𝑓(−8)
.
10

9. The polynomial x2k + 1 + (x + 1)2k is not divisible by x2 + x + 1. Find the value of k ∈ N.

10. Find all polynomials P(x) with real coefficients such that (x - 8)P(2x) = 8(x - 1)P(x).

11. Let (x - 1)3 divides (p(x) + 1) and (x + 1)3 divides (p(x)-1). Find the polynomial p(x) of degree 5.
Build-up Your Understanding 02
1. Find the rational roots of x4 − 4x3 + 6x2 − 4x + 1 = 0.

2. Solve the equation x4 + 10x3 + 35x2 + 50x + 24 = 0, if sum of two of its roots is equal to sum of the
other two roots.

3. Find the rational roots of 6x4 + x3 − 3x2 − 9x − 4 = 0.

4. Find the rational roots of 6x4 + 35x3 + 62x2 + 35x + 2 = 0.

6. Find all a, b, such that the roots of x3 + ax2 + bx − 8 = 0 are real and in G.P.

8. Construct a polynomial equation, of the least degree with rational coefficients, one of whose roots
is sin 10°.

13. If p, q, r are the real roots of x3 − 6x2 + 3x + 1 = 0, determine the possible values of p2q + q2r + r2p.

14. The product of two of the four roots of the quartic equation x4 − 18x3 + kx2 + 200x − 1984 = 0 is -
32. Determine the value of k.

Build-up Your Understanding 03

2. If a3 + b3 + c3 = (a + b + c)3, prove that a5 + b5 + c5 = (a + b + c)5. Generalize your result.

3. If p, q and r are distinct roots of x3 - x2 + x - 2 = 0, find the value of p3 + q3 + r3.

4. Find the sum of the 5th powers of the roots of the equation x3 + 3x + 9 = 0.

5. Find the sum of the fifth powers of the roots of the equation x3 – 7x2 + 4x – 3 = 0.

6. α, β, γ are the roots of the equation x3 − 9x + 9 = 0. Find the value of

α-3 + β-3 + γ-3 and α-5 + β-5 + γ−5.

7. Form the cubic equation whose roots are α, β, γ such that

(i) α + β + γ = 9

(ii) α2 + β2 + γ2 = 29

(iii) α3 + β3 + γ3 = 99

Hence, find the value of (α4 + β4 + γ4).

8. If α + β + γ = 4, α2 + β2 + γ2 = 7, α3 + β3 + γ3 = 28, find α4 + β4 + γ4 and α5 + β5 + γ5.

9. Solve: x3 + y3 + z3 = a3, x2 + y2 + z2 = a2, x + y + z = a in terms of a.

10. If α, β, γ be the roots of 2x3 + x2 + x + 1 = 0, show that

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
( + − )( + − )( + − ) = 16.
𝛽3 𝛾3 𝛼3 𝛾3 𝛼3 𝛽3 𝛼3 𝛽3 𝛾3

11. Find x, y, ∈ ℂ such that x5 + y5 = 275, x + y = 5.

 4 4
12. Find real x such that √97 − 𝑥 + √𝑥 = 5.

Build-up Your Understanding 04

1. Find the common roots of the equations

x3 − 3x2 − 4x + 12 = 0 and x3 + 9x2 + 26x + 24 = 0.

2. Find the common roots of the equations

x4 − 5x3 + 2x2 + 20x − 24 = 0 and

x4 + 7x3 + 8x2 − 28x − 48 = 0.

Check Your Understanding

2+√3 2−√3
1. Find the value of + .
√2+√2+√3 √2−√2−√3

444445×888885×444442+444438
2. Find the value of using algebra.
444444 2

3. Solve : √𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 3 ≥ 2 − 𝑥.
1+𝛼 1+𝛽 1+𝛾
4. Let a, b, g be the roots of x3 - x2 - 1 = 0. Then find the value of + + .
1−𝛼 1−𝛽 1−𝛾

6. Find all real solution x of the equation x10 − x8 + 8x6 − 24x4 + 32x2 − 48 = 0.
1 1 1 1
10. If a2x3 + b2y3 + c2z3 = p5, ax2 = by2 = cz2 and + + = , fin √𝑎 + √𝑏 + √𝑐 only in terms of p.
𝑥 𝑦 𝑧 𝑝

1 1 1 3 3 3 3
11. If ax3 = by3 = cz3 and + + = 1; prove that √𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑦 2 + 𝑐𝑧 2 = √𝑎 + √𝑏 + √𝑐 .
𝑥 𝑦 𝑧

1
13. If one root of the equation 2x2 – 6x + k = 0 is (𝑎 + 5𝑖) where i2 = –1; k, a ∈ ℝ, find the values of
2
‘a’ and ‘k’.

15. If f(x) is a quadratic polynomial with f(0) = 6, f(1) = 1 and f(2) = 0, find f(3).

17. Given any four positive, distinct, real numbers, show that one can choose three numbers A, B, C
among them, such that all the quadratic equations have only real roots or all of them have only
imaginary roots. Bx2 + x + C = 0; Cx2 + x + A = 0; Ax2 + x + B = 0.

19. If a, b, c, d ∈ ℝ such that a < b < c < d, then show that, the roots of the equation (x – a)(x – c) +2(x
– b)(x – d) = 0 are real and distinct.
1 1
24. If tn denotes the nth term of an AP and 𝑡𝑝 = , 𝑡𝑞 = , then show that tpq is a root of the
𝑞 𝑝
equation (p + 2q – 3r)x2 + (q + 2r – 3p)x + (r + 2p – 3q) = 0.
𝑥𝑦 𝑦𝑧 𝑥𝑧
28. Solve for x, y, z, the equations 𝑎 = ,𝑏 = , 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐 = (𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐 ≠ 0)
𝑥+𝑦 𝑦+𝑧 𝑥+𝑧

29. Solve and find the non-trivial solutions

 x2 + xy + xz = 0

y2 + yz + yx = 0

z2 + zx + zy = 0.

30. Solve:

x2 + xy + y2 = 7

y2 + yz + z2 = 19

z2 + zx + x2 = 3.

31. Determine all solutions of the equation in ℝ,

(x2 + 3x – 4)3 + (2x2 – 5x + 3)3 = (3x2 – 2x – 1)3

33. Find the possible solutions of the system of equations: ax = (x + y + z)y; ay = (x + y + z)z; az = (x + y +
z)x.

36. The product of two of the four roots of the equation x4 + 7x3 - 240x2 + kx + 2000 = 0 is −200,
determine k.

37. The product of two of the four roots of x4 − 20x3 + kx2 + 590x − 1992 = 0 is 24, find k.

44. Find the number of quadratic polynomials ax2 + bx + c, which satisfy the following conditions:

(i) a, b, c, are distinct

(ii) a, b, c ∈ {1, 2, 3, …, 999}

(iii) (x + 1) divides (ax2 + bx + c)

Challenge Your Understanding

1. xp(x −1) = (x − 30) p(x) ∀𝑥 ∈ ℝ, find all such polynomial p(x).

2. Find a polynomial p(x) if it exist such that xp(x −1) = (x +1) p(x).

6. Let p(x) = x4 + x3 + x2 + x +1. Find the remainder on dividing p(x5 ) by p(x).

7. Find the remainder when x2025 is divided by (x2 +1)(x2 + x +1).

16. Solve the following system of equations for real numbers a, b, c, d, e:

3a = (b + c + d)3, 3b = (c + d + e)3, 3c = (d + e + a)3,

3d = (e + a + b)3, 3e = (a + b + c)3.

17. Solve for real numbers x and y, simultaneously the equations given by

xy2 = 15x2 + 17xy + 15y2 and x2y = 20x2 + 3y2.

18. Solve the system of equations in integers: 3x2 – 3xy + y2 = 7, 2x2 – 3xy + 2y2 = 14.
19. In the sequence a1, a2, a3, …, an, the sum of any three consecutive terms is 40; if the third term is
10 and the eighth term is 8; find the 2013th term.

20. A sequence has first term 2007, after which every term is the sum of the squares of the digits of
the preceding term. Find the sum of this sequence upto 2013 terms.

21. Find a finite sequence of 16 numbers, such that

(a) it reads same from left to right as from right to left

(b) the sum of any 7 consecutive terms is –1

(c) the sum of any 11 consecutive terms is +1.

22. A two-pan balance is inaccurate since its balance arms are of different lengths and its pans are of
different weights. Three objects of different weights A, B and C are each weighed separately. When
they are placed on the left pan, they are balanced by weights A1, B1, and C1 respectively. When A and
B are placed on the right pan, they are balanced by A2 and B2, respectively. Determine the true
weight of C in terms of A1, B1, C1, A2 and B2.
𝑥12
26. The solutions x1, x2, and x3 of the equation x3 + ax + a = 0, where a is real and a ≠ 0, satisfy +
𝑥2
𝑥22 𝑥32
+ = −8, find x1, x2 and x3.
𝑥3 𝑥1

27. Let p(x) be a polynomial with degree 2008 and leading coefficient 1 such that p(0) = 2007, p(1) =
2006, p(2) = 2005, …, p(2007) = 0; determine p(2008).
1
28. If P(x) denotes a polynomial of degree n, such that 𝑃 (𝑘) = for k = 1, 2, 3, …, n + 1, determine
𝑘
P(n + 2).
𝑘
29. If P(x) denotes a polynomial of degree n, such that 𝑃 (𝑘) = for k = 0, 1, 2,…, n, determine P(n
𝑘+1
+ 1).

30. Let a, b and c denote three distinct integers and let P denote a polynomial having all integral
coefficients. Show that it is impossible that P(a) = b, P(b) = c and P(c) = a.

42. Find all polynomials P(x), for which 𝑃(𝑥 ) ∙ 𝑃(2𝑥 2 ) = 𝑃(2𝑥 3 + 𝑥) ∀𝑥 ∈ ℝ.

43. Find all polynomials f (x) such that 𝑓 (𝑥 ) ∙ 𝑓 (𝑥 + 1) − 𝑓 (𝑥 2 + 𝑥 + 1) = 0 ∀𝑥 ∈ ℝ.

Answer Key
Build-up Your Understanding 01
1. x4 − 20x2 + 16 = 0

2. x3 − 18x − 110 = 0

3. x4 − 10x3 + 32x2 − 34x + 7 = 0

1
5.
2
8. 1984

9. k is a multiple of 3

10. P(x) = a(x − 2)(x − 4)(x − 8), 𝑎 ∈ ℝ

Build-up Your Understanding 02

1. x = 1, 1, 1, 1

2. x = −1, −2, −3, −4

1 4
3. x = − ,
2 3

4. x = −1

6. 𝑎 ∈ (−∞, −6) ∪ (2, ∞), 𝑏 = −2𝑎

8. 8x3 − 6x +1 = 0

13. −3, 24

14. 86

Build-up Your Understanding 03

2. a2n−1 + b2n−1 + c2n−1 = (a + b + c)2n−1, 𝑛 ∈ ℕ

3. −5

4. 135

5. 11182
2
6. , 4
3

7. x3 − 9x2 + 26x − 24 = 0, 353

209
8. , 334
2

9. (x, y, z) = (a,0,0), (0, a,0), (0,0, a)

11. (x, y) = (3, 2), (2, 3),

5−√51𝑖 5+√51𝑖 5+√51𝑖 5−√51𝑖
( , ),( , )
2 2 2 2

12. 16, 81

Build-up Your Understanding 04

1. −2
2. 2, −2

Check Your Understanding

1. √2

2. 888883

3. 𝑥 ∈ [3, ∞]

4. −5

6. ±√2

10. √𝑝

13. a = 3, k = 17

15. 3
2𝑎𝑏𝑐 2𝑎𝑏𝑐 2𝑎𝑏𝑐
28. 𝑥 = ,𝑦 = ,𝑧 =
𝑎𝑏+𝑏𝑐−𝑐𝑎 −𝑎𝑏+𝑏𝑐+𝑐𝑎 𝑎𝑏−𝑏𝑐+𝑐𝑎

29. (x, y, z) = (a, b, − a − b) where 𝑎, 𝑏 ∈ ℝ

30. (x, y, z) = (-1, 3, 2), (1, -3, -2),

5 11 7 5 11 7
(− , , ),( ,− ,− )
√13 √13 √13 √13 √13 √13
1 3
31. − , 1, , −4
3 2

𝑎 𝑎 𝑎
33. (𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) = ( , , )
3 3 3

36. −1970, 500

37. 41

44. 1996002

Challenge Your Understanding

1. P(x) = ax(x −1)(x − 2)(x − 3)…(x − 29), 𝑎 ∈ ℝ

2. P(x) ≡ 0

6. 5

7. x3 + 2x2 + 2x + 2
1 1
16. 𝑎 = 𝑏 = 𝑐 = 𝑑 = 𝑒 = 0, − 𝑜𝑟
3 3

17. (x, y) = (0, 0), (19, 95)

18. (x, y) = (3, 4), (−3, −4)

19. 8

20. 105336

21. 5, 5, −13, 5, 5, 5, −13, 5, 5, −13, 5, 5, 5, −13, 5, 5

(𝐶1 −𝐴1 )𝐵2 +(𝐵1 −𝐶1 )𝐴2
22.
𝐵1 −𝐴1

26. 𝑥 = −2, 1 ± √5

27. 2008! − 1
1+(−1)𝑛
28.
𝑛+2

𝑛+1+(−1)𝑛+1
29.
𝑛+2

42. 𝑓(𝑥 ) ≡ 0; 𝑓(𝑥 ) = (𝑥 2 + 1)𝑛 , 𝑛 ∈ ℕ 0

43. 𝑓(𝑥 ) ≡ 0; 𝑓(𝑥 ) = (𝑥 2 + 1)𝑛 , 𝑛 ∈ ℕ0