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Difference between revisions of "2018 AMC 12A Problems/Problem 21"

m (→‎Solution 1 (Intermediate Value Theorem, Inequalities, Graphs))
(→‎Solution 1 (Intermediate Value Theorem, Inequalities, Graphs))
 
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Denote the polynomials in the answer choices by <math>A(x),B(x),C(x),D(x),</math> and <math>E(x),</math> respectively.
 
Denote the polynomials in the answer choices by <math>A(x),B(x),C(x),D(x),</math> and <math>E(x),</math> respectively.
  
−
Note that <math>A(x),B(x),C(x),D(x),</math> and <math>E(x)</math> are increasing functions with range <math>(-\infty,\infty).</math> So, each polynomial has exactly one real root. Since <math>A(-1)=B(-1)=C(-1)=D(-1)=E(-1)=-1</math> and <math>A(0),B(0),C(0),D(0),E(0)>0,</math> we conclude that the real root of each polynomial must satisfy <math>x\in(-1,0)</math> by the Intermediate Value Theorem (IVT).
+
Note that <math>A(x),B(x),C(x),D(x),</math> and <math>E(x)</math> are strictly increasing functions with range <math>(-\infty,\infty).</math> So, each polynomial has exactly one real root. The real root of <math>E(x)</math> is <math>x=-\frac{2018}{2019}\approx-1.000.</math> On the other hand, since <math>A(-1)=B(-1)=C(-1)=D(-1)=-2018</math> and <math>A(0)=B(0)=C(0)=D(0)=1,</math> we conclude that the real root for each of <math>A(x),B(x),C(x),</math> and <math>D(x)</math> must satisfy <math>x\in(-1,0)</math> by the Intermediate Value Theorem (IVT).
  
 
We analyze the polynomials for <math>x\in(-1,0):</math>
 
We analyze the polynomials for <math>x\in(-1,0):</math>
Line 17: Line 17:
 
&<0.
 
&<0.
 
\end{align*}</cmath>
 
\end{align*}</cmath>
−
As the graph of <math>A(x)</math> is always above the graph of <math>B(x),</math> we deduce that <math>B(x)</math> has a greater real root than <math>A(x)</math> does. By the same reasoning, <math>D(x)</math> has a greater real root than <math>C(x)</math> does.</li><p>
+
As the graph of <math>y=A(x)</math> is always above the graph of <math>y=B(x)</math> in this interval, we deduce that <math>B(x)</math> has a greater real root than <math>A(x)</math> does. By the same reasoning, <math>D(x)</math> has a greater real root than <math>C(x)</math> does.</li><p>
 
   <li>We have
 
   <li>We have
 
<cmath>\begin{align*}
 
<cmath>\begin{align*}
Line 26: Line 26:
 
from which <math>B(x)</math> has a greater real root than <math>D(x)</math> does.</li><p>
 
from which <math>B(x)</math> has a greater real root than <math>D(x)</math> does.</li><p>
 
</ol>
 
</ol>
−
Now, we are left with comparing the real roots of <math>B(x)</math> and <math>E(x).</math> Since <math>B\left(-\frac{1}{\sqrt2}\right)<0<B\left(\frac{1}{2}\right),</math> it follows that the real root of <math>B(x)</math> must satisfy <math>x\in\left(-\frac{1}{\sqrt2},-\frac{1}{2}\right)</math> by IVT. On the other hand, the real root of <math>E(x)</math> is <math>x=-\frac{2018}{2019}\approx-1.</math> Clearly, <math>\boxed{\textbf{(B) }  x^{17}+2018x^{11}+1}</math> has the greatest real root.
+
Now, we are left with comparing the real roots of <math>B(x)</math> and <math>E(x).</math> Since <math>B\left(-\frac{1}{\sqrt2}\right)<0<B\left(-\frac{1}{2}\right),</math> it follows that the real root of <math>B(x)</math> must satisfy <math>x\in\left(-\frac{1}{\sqrt2},-\frac{1}{2}\right)</math> by the IVT. Clearly, <math>\boxed{\textbf{(B) }  x^{17}+2018x^{11}+1}</math> has the greatest real root.
  
 
~MRENTHUSIASM
 
~MRENTHUSIASM
Line 40: Line 40:
 
~fidgetboss_4000
 
~fidgetboss_4000
  
−
== Solution 4 (Calculus) ==
+
==Solution 4==
−
Note that <math>a(-1)=b(-1)=c(-1)=d(-1) < 0</math> and <math>a(0)=b(0)=c(0)=d(0) > 0</math>. Calculating the definite integral for each function on the interval <math>[-1,0]</math>, we see that <math>B(x)\rvert^{0}_{-1}</math> gives the most negative value. To maximize our real root, we want to maximize the area of the curve under the x-axis, which means we want our integral to be as negative as possible and thus the answer is <math>\boxed{\textbf{(B) }  x^{17}+2018x^{11}+1}</math>.
 
  
−
== Solution 5 (Calculus) ==
+
Denote the polynomials in the answer choices by <math>A(x),B(x),C(x),D(x),</math> and <math>E(x),</math> respectively.
 +
 
 +
The real root of <math>E(x)</math> is <math>x=-\frac{2018}{2019}\approx-1.000.</math>, therefore, we can eliminate this polynomial first. Notice that all of the real roots for all answer choices are in <math>(-1,0)</math>. Therefore,
 +
<cmath>x^{11}<0, \quad x^2<1, \quad x^{13}>x^{11}, \quad x^{19}+2018x^{13}+1>x^{19}+2018x^{11}+1, \quad C(x)>A(x)</cmath>
 +
<cmath>\quad x^{17}+2018x^{13}+1>x^{17}+2018x^{11}+1, \quad D(x)>B(x)</cmath>
 +
<cmath>x^{17}<0, \quad x^{19}>x^{17}, \quad x^{19}+2018x^{11}+1>x^{17}+2018x^{11}+1, \quad A(x)>B(x)</cmath>
 +
 
 +
Now compare the real roots of <math>A(x)</math> and <math>D(x)</math>.
 +
<cmath>A(x) - D(x) = x^{19}+2018x^{11}+1 - x^{17}-2018x^{13}-1 = x^{17}(x^2-1) - 2018x^{11}(x^2-1) = x^{11}(x^2-1)(x^6-2018)</cmath>
 +
<cmath>\because x^{11}<0, \quad 0<x^2<1, \quad 0<x^6<1, \quad \therefore A(x) - D(x)<0, \quad A(x) < D(x)</cmath>
 +
 
 +
<cmath>C(x)>D(x)>A(x)>B(x)</cmath>
 +
 
 +
As <math>B(x)</math> has the smallest value for the same <math>x</math>, and <math>A(x),B(x),C(x),D(x),</math> are all monotonically increasing functions, its real root must be the greatest, thus, the answer is <math>\boxed{\textbf{(B) }  x^{17}+2018x^{11}+1}</math>
 +
 
 +
~[https://artofproblemsolving.com/wiki/index.php/User:Isabelchen isabelchen]
 +
 
 +
==Solution 5 (Monotonic Function)==
 +
 
 +
Denote the polynomials in the answer choices by <math>A(x),B(x),C(x),D(x),</math> and <math>E(x),</math> respectively.
 +
 
 +
Notice that all of the real roots for all answer choices are in <math>(-1,0)</math>. The real root of <math>E(x)</math> is <math>x=-\frac{2018}{2019}\approx-1.000.</math>, therefore, we can eliminate this polynomial first.
 +
 
 +
First compare the real roots of <math>A(x)</math> and <math>C(x)</math>:
 +
 
 +
Let the real root of <math>A(x)</math> be <math>a</math>, and the real root of <math>C(x)</math> be <math>b</math>.
 +
<cmath>a^{19}+2018a^{11}+1 = b^{19}+2018b^{13}+1, \quad a^{19}+2018a^{11} = b^{19}+2018b^{13}</cmath>
 +
<cmath>\because a^2 < 1, \quad a^{11} < 0, \quad \therefore a^{13}>a^{11}</cmath>
 +
<cmath>a^{19}+2018a^{11} < a^{19}+2018a^{13}, \quad b^{19}+2018b^{13} < a^{19}+2018a^{13}</cmath>
 +
Let <math>f(x) = x^{19}+2018x^{13}</math>. Notice that <math>f(x)</math> is a monotonically increasing function. As <math>f(b)<f(a)</math>, <math>b<a</math>, <math>A(x)</math> has a bigger real root than <math>C(x)</math>.
 +
 
 +
Similarly, <math>B(x)</math> has a bigger real root than <math>D(x)</math>.
 +
 
 +
To determine the polynomial with the greatest real root, now we only need to compare <math>A(x)</math> and <math>B(x)</math>.
 +
 
 +
Let the real root of <math>A(x)</math> be <math>a</math>, and the real root of <math>B(x)</math> be <math>b</math>.
 +
<cmath>a^{19}+2018a^{11}+1 = b^{17}+2018b^{11}+1, \quad a^{19}+2018a^{11} = b^{17}+2018b^{11}</cmath>
 +
<cmath>\because a^2 < 1, \quad a^{17} < 0, \quad \therefore a^{19}>a^{17}</cmath>
 +
<cmath>a^{17}+2018a^{11} < a^{19}+2018a^{11}, \quad a^{17}+2018a^{11} < b^{17}+2018b^{11}</cmath>
 +
Let <math>f(x) = x^{17}+2018x^{11}</math>. Notice that <math>f(x)</math> is a monotonically increasing function. As <math>f(a)<f(b)</math>, <math>a<b</math>, <math>B(x)</math> has a bigger real root than <math>A(x)</math>.
 +
 
 +
Thus, the answer is <math>\boxed{\textbf{(B) }  x^{17}+2018x^{11}+1}</math>
 +
 
 +
~[https://artofproblemsolving.com/wiki/index.php/User:Isabelchen isabelchen]
 +
 
 +
==Solution 6 (Proof by Contradiction)==
 +
 
 +
Denote the polynomials in the answer choices by <math>A(x),B(x),C(x),D(x),</math> and <math>E(x),</math> respectively.
 +
 
 +
Notice that all of the real roots for all answer choices are in <math>(-1,0)</math>. The real root of <math>E(x)</math> is <math>x=-\frac{2018}{2019}\approx-1.000.</math>, therefore, we can eliminate this polynomial first.
 +
 
 +
First compare the real roots of <math>A(x)</math> and <math>C(x)</math>:
 +
 
 +
Let the real root of <math>A(x)</math> be <math>a</math>, and the real root of <math>C(x)</math> be <math>b</math>.
 +
<cmath>a^{19}+2018a^{11}+1 = b^{19}+2018b^{13}+1</cmath>
 +
<cmath>a^{11}(a^8+2018) = b^{11}(b^8+2018b^2)</cmath>
 +
<cmath>\frac{ a^{11} }{ b^{11} } = \frac{ b^8+2018b^2 }{ a^8+2018 }</cmath>
 +
As <math>b^2<1</math>, <math>b^8+2018b^2<b^8+2018</math>,
 +
<cmath>\frac{ a^{11} }{ b^{11} } = \frac{ b^8+2018b^2 }{ a^8+2018 } < \frac{ b^8+2018 }{ a^8+2018 }</cmath>
 +
 
 +
Assume that <math>-1<a<b<0</math>. Thus,
 +
<cmath>-1<a^{11}<b^{11}<0, \quad 1<\frac{ a^{11} }{ b^{11} }, \quad 1< \frac{ b^8+2018 }{ a^8+2018 }</cmath>
 +
 
 +
<math>\because -1<a<b<0, \quad \therefore 1>a^8>b^8>0, \quad a^8 + 1 > b^8+1, \quad \therefore \frac{b^8+2018}{a^8+2018}<1</math>
 +
 
 +
<cmath> \text{ Contradicts with } 1<\frac{b^8+2018}{a^8+2018}</cmath>
 +
 
 +
<math>\therefore</math> assumption <math>-1<a<b<0</math> is false, <math>-1<b<a<0</math>, <math>A(x)</math> has a bigger real root than <math>C(x)</math>.
 +
 
 +
Similarly, <math>B(x)</math> has a bigger real root than <math>D(x)</math>.
 +
 
 +
To determine the polynomial with the greatest real root, now we only need to compare <math>A(x)</math> and <math>B(x)</math>.
 +
 
 +
Let the real root of <math>A(x)</math> be <math>a</math>, and the real root of <math>B(x)</math> be <math>b</math>.
 +
<cmath>a^{19}+2018a^{11}+1 = b^{17}+2018b^{11}+1</cmath>
 +
<cmath>a^{19} - b^{17} = 2018( b^{11} - a^{11} )</cmath>
 +
 
 +
Assume that <math>-1<b<a<0</math>. Thus,
 +
<cmath>-1<b^{11}<a^{11}<0, \quad b^{11}-a^{11}<0, \quad 2018( b^{11} - a^{11} ) < 0, \quad a^{19} - b^{17} < 0</cmath>
 +
 
 +
<cmath>-1<b^{17}<a^{17}<0, \quad a^2<1, \quad a^{17}<a^{19}, \quad b^{17}<a^{19}, \quad a^{19} - b^{17} > 0</cmath>
 +
 
 +
<cmath> \text{ Contradicts with }a^{19} - b^{17} < 0</cmath>
 +
 
 +
<math>\therefore</math> assumption <math>-1<b<a<0</math> is false, <math>-1<a<b<0</math>, <math>B(x)</math> has a bigger real root than <math>A(x)</math>.
 +
 
 +
Thus, the answer is <math>\boxed{\textbf{(B) }  x^{17}+2018x^{11}+1}</math>
 +
 
 +
~[https://artofproblemsolving.com/wiki/index.php/User:Isabelchen isabelchen]
 +
 
 +
== Solution 7 (Calculus) ==
 +
Note that <math>a(-1)=b(-1)=c(-1)=d(-1) < 0</math> and <math>a(0)=b(0)=c(0)=d(0) > 0</math>. Calculating the definite integral for each function in the interval <math>[-1,0]</math>, we see that <math>B(x)\rvert^{0}_{-1}</math> gives the most negative value. To maximize our real root, we want to maximize the area of the curve under the x-axis, which means we want our integral to be as negative as possible and thus the answer is <math>\boxed{\textbf{(B) }  x^{17}+2018x^{11}+1}</math>.
 +
 
 +
== Solution 8 (Calculus) ==
 
Newton's Method is used to approximate the zero <math>x_{1}</math> of any real valued function given an estimation for the root <math>x_{0}: \ x_{1}=x_{0}-{\frac {f(x_{0})}{f'(x_{0})}}.</math> After looking at all the options, <math>x_{0}=-1</math> gives a reasonable estimate. For options <math>\textbf{(A)}</math> to <math>\textbf{(D)},</math> we have <math>f(-1) = -2018</math> and the estimation becomes <math>x_{1}=-1+{\frac {2018}{f'(-1)}}.</math> Thus we need to minimize the derivative, giving us <math>\textbf{(B)}</math>. Now after comparing <math>\textbf{(B)}</math> and <math>\textbf{(E)}</math> through Newton's method, we see that <math>\textbf{(B)}</math> has the higher root, so the answer is <math>\boxed{\textbf{(B) }  x^{17}+2018x^{11}+1}</math>.
 
Newton's Method is used to approximate the zero <math>x_{1}</math> of any real valued function given an estimation for the root <math>x_{0}: \ x_{1}=x_{0}-{\frac {f(x_{0})}{f'(x_{0})}}.</math> After looking at all the options, <math>x_{0}=-1</math> gives a reasonable estimate. For options <math>\textbf{(A)}</math> to <math>\textbf{(D)},</math> we have <math>f(-1) = -2018</math> and the estimation becomes <math>x_{1}=-1+{\frac {2018}{f'(-1)}}.</math> Thus we need to minimize the derivative, giving us <math>\textbf{(B)}</math>. Now after comparing <math>\textbf{(B)}</math> and <math>\textbf{(E)}</math> through Newton's method, we see that <math>\textbf{(B)}</math> has the higher root, so the answer is <math>\boxed{\textbf{(B) }  x^{17}+2018x^{11}+1}</math>.
  

Latest revision as of 05:58, 29 July 2024

Problem

Which of the following polynomials has the greatest real root?

$\textbf{(A) } x^{19}+2018x^{11}+1 \qquad \textbf{(B) } x^{17}+2018x^{11}+1 \qquad \textbf{(C) } x^{19}+2018x^{13}+1 \qquad \textbf{(D) } x^{17}+2018x^{13}+1 \qquad \textbf{(E) } 2019x+2018$

Solution 1 (Intermediate Value Theorem, Inequalities, Graphs)

Denote the polynomials in the answer choices by $A(x),B(x),C(x),D(x),$ and $E(x),$ respectively.

Note that $A(x),B(x),C(x),D(x),$ and $E(x)$ are strictly increasing functions with range $(-\infty,\infty).$ So, each polynomial has exactly one real root. The real root of $E(x)$ is $x=-\frac{2018}{2019}\approx-1.000.$ On the other hand, since $A(-1)=B(-1)=C(-1)=D(-1)=-2018$ and $A(0)=B(0)=C(0)=D(0)=1,$ we conclude that the real root for each of $A(x),B(x),C(x),$ and $D(x)$ must satisfy $x\in(-1,0)$ by the Intermediate Value Theorem (IVT).

We analyze the polynomials for $x\in(-1,0):$

  1. We have \begin{align*} B(x)-A(x)=D(x)-C(x)&=x^{17}-x^{19} \\ &=x^{17}\left(1-x^2\right) \\ &<0. \end{align*} As the graph of $y=A(x)$ is always above the graph of $y=B(x)$ in this interval, we deduce that $B(x)$ has a greater real root than $A(x)$ does. By the same reasoning, $D(x)$ has a greater real root than $C(x)$ does.

  2. We have \begin{align*} B(x)-D(x)&=2018x^{11}-2018x^{13} \\ &=2018x^{11}\left(1-x^2\right) \\ &<0, \end{align*} from which $B(x)$ has a greater real root than $D(x)$ does.

Now, we are left with comparing the real roots of $B(x)$ and $E(x).$ Since $B\left(-\frac{1}{\sqrt2}\right)<0<B\left(-\frac{1}{2}\right),$ it follows that the real root of $B(x)$ must satisfy $x\in\left(-\frac{1}{\sqrt2},-\frac{1}{2}\right)$ by the IVT. Clearly, $\boxed{\textbf{(B) } x^{17}+2018x^{11}+1}$ has the greatest real root.

~MRENTHUSIASM

Solution 2 (Similar to Solution 1)

We can see that our real solution has to lie in the open interval $(-1,0)$. From there, note that $x^a < x^b$ if $a$, $b$ are odd positive integers if $a<b$, so hence it can only either be $\textbf{(B)}$ or $\textbf{(E)}$ (as all of the other polynomials will be larger than the polynomial $\textbf{(B)}$). Observe that $\textbf{(E)}$ gives the solution $x=-\frac{2018}{2019}$. We can approximate the root for $\textbf{(B)}$ by using $x=-\frac 12$: \[\left(-\frac{1}{2}\right)^{17} - \frac{2018}{2048} + 1 \approx 0.\] Therefore, the root for $\textbf{(B)}$ is approximately $-\frac 12$. The answer is $\boxed{\textbf{(B) } x^{17}+2018x^{11}+1}$.

~cpma213

Solution 3 (Similar to Solution 1)

Let the real solution to $B$ be $a.$ It is easy to see that when $a$ is plugged in to $A,$ since $-1 < a < 0,$ it follows that $a^{19} < a^{17}$ thus making the real solution to $A$ more "negative", or smaller than $B.$ Similarly we can assert that $D > C.$ Now to compare $B$ and $D,$ we can use the same method to what we used before to compare $B$ to $A,$ in which it is easy to see that the smaller exponent $(11)$ "wins". Now, the only thing left is for us to compare $B$ and $E.$ Plugging $\frac{-2018}{2019}$ (or the solution to $E$) into $B$ we obtain $\frac{(-2018)^{17}}{2019^{17}} + 2018\cdot\frac{(-2018)^{11}}{2019^{11}} + 1,$ which is intuitively close to $-1 - 2018 + 1 = -2018,$ much smaller than the solution the required $0.$ (For a more rigorous proof, one can note that $\left(\frac{2018}{2019}\right)^{17}$ and $\left(\frac{2018}{2019}\right)^{11}$ are both much greater than $\left(\frac{2018}{2019}\right)^{2019} \approx \frac{1}{e},$ by the limit definition of $e.$ Since $- \frac{1}{e} - 2018 \cdot \frac{1}{e} + 1$ is still much smaller the required $0$ for the solution to $B$ to be a solution, our answer is $\boxed{\textbf{(B) } x^{17}+2018x^{11}+1}.$

~fidgetboss_4000

Solution 4

Denote the polynomials in the answer choices by $A(x),B(x),C(x),D(x),$ and $E(x),$ respectively.

The real root of $E(x)$ is $x=-\frac{2018}{2019}\approx-1.000.$, therefore, we can eliminate this polynomial first. Notice that all of the real roots for all answer choices are in $(-1,0)$. Therefore, \[x^{11}<0, \quad x^2<1, \quad x^{13}>x^{11}, \quad x^{19}+2018x^{13}+1>x^{19}+2018x^{11}+1, \quad C(x)>A(x)\] \[\quad x^{17}+2018x^{13}+1>x^{17}+2018x^{11}+1, \quad D(x)>B(x)\] \[x^{17}<0, \quad x^{19}>x^{17}, \quad x^{19}+2018x^{11}+1>x^{17}+2018x^{11}+1, \quad A(x)>B(x)\]

Now compare the real roots of $A(x)$ and $D(x)$. \[A(x) - D(x) = x^{19}+2018x^{11}+1 - x^{17}-2018x^{13}-1 = x^{17}(x^2-1) - 2018x^{11}(x^2-1) = x^{11}(x^2-1)(x^6-2018)\] \[\because x^{11}<0, \quad 0<x^2<1, \quad 0<x^6<1, \quad \therefore A(x) - D(x)<0, \quad A(x) < D(x)\]

\[C(x)>D(x)>A(x)>B(x)\]

As $B(x)$ has the smallest value for the same $x$, and $A(x),B(x),C(x),D(x),$ are all monotonically increasing functions, its real root must be the greatest, thus, the answer is $\boxed{\textbf{(B) } x^{17}+2018x^{11}+1}$

~isabelchen

Solution 5 (Monotonic Function)

Denote the polynomials in the answer choices by $A(x),B(x),C(x),D(x),$ and $E(x),$ respectively.

Notice that all of the real roots for all answer choices are in $(-1,0)$. The real root of $E(x)$ is $x=-\frac{2018}{2019}\approx-1.000.$, therefore, we can eliminate this polynomial first.

First compare the real roots of $A(x)$ and $C(x)$:

Let the real root of $A(x)$ be $a$, and the real root of $C(x)$ be $b$. \[a^{19}+2018a^{11}+1 = b^{19}+2018b^{13}+1, \quad a^{19}+2018a^{11} = b^{19}+2018b^{13}\] \[\because a^2 < 1, \quad a^{11} < 0, \quad \therefore a^{13}>a^{11}\] \[a^{19}+2018a^{11} < a^{19}+2018a^{13}, \quad b^{19}+2018b^{13} < a^{19}+2018a^{13}\] Let $f(x) = x^{19}+2018x^{13}$. Notice that $f(x)$ is a monotonically increasing function. As $f(b)<f(a)$, $b<a$, $A(x)$ has a bigger real root than $C(x)$.

Similarly, $B(x)$ has a bigger real root than $D(x)$.

To determine the polynomial with the greatest real root, now we only need to compare $A(x)$ and $B(x)$.

Let the real root of $A(x)$ be $a$, and the real root of $B(x)$ be $b$. \[a^{19}+2018a^{11}+1 = b^{17}+2018b^{11}+1, \quad a^{19}+2018a^{11} = b^{17}+2018b^{11}\] \[\because a^2 < 1, \quad a^{17} < 0, \quad \therefore a^{19}>a^{17}\] \[a^{17}+2018a^{11} < a^{19}+2018a^{11}, \quad a^{17}+2018a^{11} < b^{17}+2018b^{11}\] Let $f(x) = x^{17}+2018x^{11}$. Notice that $f(x)$ is a monotonically increasing function. As $f(a)<f(b)$, $a<b$, $B(x)$ has a bigger real root than $A(x)$.

Thus, the answer is $\boxed{\textbf{(B) } x^{17}+2018x^{11}+1}$

~isabelchen

Solution 6 (Proof by Contradiction)

Denote the polynomials in the answer choices by $A(x),B(x),C(x),D(x),$ and $E(x),$ respectively.

Notice that all of the real roots for all answer choices are in $(-1,0)$. The real root of $E(x)$ is $x=-\frac{2018}{2019}\approx-1.000.$, therefore, we can eliminate this polynomial first.

First compare the real roots of $A(x)$ and $C(x)$:

Let the real root of $A(x)$ be $a$, and the real root of $C(x)$ be $b$. \[a^{19}+2018a^{11}+1 = b^{19}+2018b^{13}+1\] \[a^{11}(a^8+2018) = b^{11}(b^8+2018b^2)\] \[\frac{ a^{11} }{ b^{11} } = \frac{ b^8+2018b^2 }{ a^8+2018 }\] As $b^2<1$, $b^8+2018b^2<b^8+2018$, \[\frac{ a^{11} }{ b^{11} } = \frac{ b^8+2018b^2 }{ a^8+2018 } < \frac{ b^8+2018 }{ a^8+2018 }\]

Assume that $-1<a<b<0$. Thus, \[-1<a^{11}<b^{11}<0, \quad 1<\frac{ a^{11} }{ b^{11} }, \quad 1< \frac{ b^8+2018 }{ a^8+2018 }\]

$\because -1<a<b<0, \quad \therefore 1>a^8>b^8>0, \quad a^8 + 1 > b^8+1, \quad \therefore \frac{b^8+2018}{a^8+2018}<1$

\[\text{ Contradicts with } 1<\frac{b^8+2018}{a^8+2018}\]

$\therefore$ assumption $-1<a<b<0$ is false, $-1<b<a<0$, $A(x)$ has a bigger real root than $C(x)$.

Similarly, $B(x)$ has a bigger real root than $D(x)$.

To determine the polynomial with the greatest real root, now we only need to compare $A(x)$ and $B(x)$.

Let the real root of $A(x)$ be $a$, and the real root of $B(x)$ be $b$. \[a^{19}+2018a^{11}+1 = b^{17}+2018b^{11}+1\] \[a^{19} - b^{17} = 2018( b^{11} - a^{11} )\]

Assume that $-1<b<a<0$. Thus, \[-1<b^{11}<a^{11}<0, \quad b^{11}-a^{11}<0, \quad 2018( b^{11} - a^{11} ) < 0, \quad a^{19} - b^{17} < 0\]

\[-1<b^{17}<a^{17}<0, \quad a^2<1, \quad a^{17}<a^{19}, \quad b^{17}<a^{19}, \quad a^{19} - b^{17} > 0\]

\[\text{ Contradicts with }a^{19} - b^{17} < 0\]

$\therefore$ assumption $-1<b<a<0$ is false, $-1<a<b<0$, $B(x)$ has a bigger real root than $A(x)$.

Thus, the answer is $\boxed{\textbf{(B) } x^{17}+2018x^{11}+1}$

~isabelchen

Solution 7 (Calculus)

Note that $a(-1)=b(-1)=c(-1)=d(-1) < 0$ and $a(0)=b(0)=c(0)=d(0) > 0$. Calculating the definite integral for each function in the interval $[-1,0]$, we see that $B(x)\rvert^{0}_{-1}$ gives the most negative value. To maximize our real root, we want to maximize the area of the curve under the x-axis, which means we want our integral to be as negative as possible and thus the answer is $\boxed{\textbf{(B) } x^{17}+2018x^{11}+1}$.

Solution 8 (Calculus)

Newton's Method is used to approximate the zero $x_{1}$ of any real valued function given an estimation for the root $x_{0}: \ x_{1}=x_{0}-{\frac {f(x_{0})}{f'(x_{0})}}.$ After looking at all the options, $x_{0}=-1$ gives a reasonable estimate. For options $\textbf{(A)}$ to $\textbf{(D)},$ we have $f(-1) = -2018$ and the estimation becomes $x_{1}=-1+{\frac {2018}{f'(-1)}}.$ Thus we need to minimize the derivative, giving us $\textbf{(B)}$. Now after comparing $\textbf{(B)}$ and $\textbf{(E)}$ through Newton's method, we see that $\textbf{(B)}$ has the higher root, so the answer is $\boxed{\textbf{(B) } x^{17}+2018x^{11}+1}$.

~Qcumber

Video Solution by Richard Rusczyk

https://artofproblemsolving.com/videos/amc/2018amc12a/471

~ dolphin7

See Also

2018 AMC 12A (Problems • Answer Key • Resources)
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All AMC 12 Problems and Solutions

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