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 2x3+6x2−7x−10 is given by −26=−3. Therefore, α+β+γ=−3.
Find the product of the roots, $\alpha \beta \gamma$

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

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Now, substituting the values obtained:
αβγ(α+β+γ)=5⋅(−3)=−15.
Thus, the final value is −15.
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