Question
The depressed cubic equation x^3 +px + 28=0 has three distinct roots. Two of these roots sum to 2. Find the the value of p.
The depressed cubic equation x^3 +px + 28=0 has three distinct roots. Two of these roots sum to 2. Find the the value of p.
Let r_1,r_2 and r_3 be the three roots of the equation. of which r_1+r_2=2
Then we have the following two equations.
r^3_1 +pr_1 + 28=0
and
r^3_2 +pr_2 + 28=0
Addition of the two equations gives
r^3_1+r^3_2+p(r_1+r_2)+56=0
Apply the sum of cubes identity and collect like terms r_1+r_2
(r_1+r_2)(r^2_1+r^2_2-r_1r_2+p)+56=0
Construct a perfect square (r_1+r_2)^2
(r_1+r_2)[(r_1+r_2)^2-3r_1r_2+p]+56=0
Substitute the value of r_1+r_2
2(4-3r_1r_2+p)+58=0
Symplifying gives
On the other hand, the following two equations are established according to Vieta's formula
r_1+r_2+r_3=0
r_1r_2r_3 = -28
Substituting the value of r_1+r_2 results in
r_3 = -2
and
r_1r_2 = 14
Substituting the value of r_1r_2 to (1) yields the final result.
p = 3\times14-32 = 10
Using the Vieta's formula, the third root could be determined
r_1+r_2+r_3=0
r_1r_2r_3 = -28
Substituting the value of r_1+r_2 results in
r_3 = -2
And then substitute r_3 to the cubic equation
Then
(-2)^3+p(-2)+28=0
Solve for p
p = 10