The polynomial $2x^3 + 6x^2 - 7x - 10$ has zeros $\alpha$, $\beta$ and $\gamma$ - HSC - SSCE Mathematics Extension 1 - Question 4 - 2018 - Paper 1

Question 4

The polynomial $2x^3 + 6x^2 - 7x - 10$ has zeros $\alpha$, $\beta$ and $\gamma$.
What is the value of $\alpha\beta\gamma(\alpha + \beta + \gamma)$?
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The polynomial $2x^3 + 6x^2 - 7x - 10$ has zeros $\alpha$, $\beta$ and $\gamma$ - HSC - SSCE Mathematics Extension 1 - Question 4 - 2018 - Paper 1
Find the sum of the roots ($\alpha + \beta + \gamma$)

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Using Vieta's formulas, the sum of the roots for the polynomial ax3+bx2+cx+d is given by −ab. In this case, a=2 and b=6. Hence, α+β+γ=−26=−3.
Find the product of the roots ($\alpha \beta \gamma$)

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Similarly, the product of the roots is given by −ad. Here, d=−10, so αβγ=−2−10=5.
Calculate $\alpha \beta \gamma (\alpha + \beta + \gamma)$

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Now we multiply these results:
αβγ(α+β+γ)=5×−3=−15.
Final Answer

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The value is −15, which corresponds to option B.
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