Difference between revisions of "2015 UNCO Math Contest II Problems/Problem 3"

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== Solution ==
 
== Solution ==
<math>P(x)=5x^2-3x+17</math>
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Define <math>P(x)=ax^2+bx+c</math>, so <math>a(x^2+1)^2+b(x^2+1)+c=ax^4+2ax^2+a+bx^2+b+c=5x^4+7x^2+19. By matching coefficients (the coefficients of each power of x on both sides must be equal), we derive the system </math>a=5<math>,</math>2a+b=7<math>,and </math>a+b+c=19<math>, from which we see </math>b=-3<math> and </math>c=17<math>. Thus, </math>P(x)=\boxed{5x^2-3x+17}$
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==

Revision as of 09:02, 6 March 2024

Problem

If P is a polynomial that satisfies $P(x^2 +1) = 5x^4 +7x^2 +19$, then what is $P(x)$? (Hint: $P$ is quadratic.)

Solution

Define $P(x)=ax^2+bx+c$, so $a(x^2+1)^2+b(x^2+1)+c=ax^4+2ax^2+a+bx^2+b+c=5x^4+7x^2+19. By matching coefficients (the coefficients of each power of x on both sides must be equal), we derive the system$a=5$,$2a+b=7$,and$a+b+c=19$, from which we see$b=-3$and$c=17$. Thus,$P(x)=\boxed{5x^2-3x+17}$

See also

2015 UNCO Math Contest II (ProblemsAnswer KeyResources)
Preceded by
Problem 2
Followed by
Problem 4
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
All UNCO Math Contest Problems and Solutions