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Nov 2016 p33 q4
1419
The polynomial \(4x^4 + ax^2 + 11x + b\), where \(a\) and \(b\) are constants, is denoted by \(p(x)\). It is given that \(p(x)\) is divisible by \(x^2 - x + 2\).
Find the values of \(a\) and \(b\).
When \(a\) and \(b\) have these values, find the real roots of the equation \(p(x) = 0\).
Solution
(i) To find \(a\) and \(b\), perform polynomial division of \(4x^4 + ax^2 + 11x + b\) by \(x^2 - x + 2\). The division gives a partial quotient of \(4x^2 + kx\).
Obtain the quotient \(4x^2 + 4x + a - 4\) or \(4x^2 + 4x + b/2\).
Equate the \(x\) or constant term to zero and solve for \(a\) or \(b\).
From the mark scheme, \(a = 1\) and \(b = -6\).
(ii) Show that \(x^2 - x + 2 = 0\) has no real roots.
Obtain roots \(\frac{1}{2}\) and \(-\frac{3}{2}\) from \(4x^2 + 4x - 3 = 0\).