A mean mean polynomial

Algebra Level 5

We have a real polynomial P P of degree 5 and P ( 0 ) = 32768 P(0)=-32768 . Let m m be the mean of the roots of P P . What is the floor of the mean of all possible integral values of m m under 100?


The answer is 54.

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1 solution

Note that the roots of a degree 5 polynomial, a , b , c , d a,b,c,d and e e will all be the constant term of the polynomial in the form of a b c d e -abcde therefore P ( 0 ) = a b c d e = 32768 P(0)=-abcde=-32768 . Therefore taking the 5th root of a b c d e abcde gives us 32768 5 = 2 15 / 5 = 8 \sqrt[5]{32768}=2^{15/5}=8 . This is the geometric mean of our roots which is our lower bound of m m because of the AM-GM inequality. This means that we have to find the mean of the numbers 8-99 inclusive.

First we sum from 1 to 99 and subtract the sum 1 to 7. To get 4929 by using triangle numbers. Then by dividng by 99-8=91 we have 4929 91 \frac{4929}{91} then convert to a mixed fraction to get 54 15 91 54\frac{15}{91} and flooring this removes the proper fractional part. Finally giving us 54 \boxed{54} .

Great problem.

Arjun Bharat - 7 years ago

You can only apply AM-GM if the roots are real AND positive. That has not been stated in your question.

Calvin Lin Staff - 6 years, 10 months ago

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I wrote this problem a while ago. I do not have the time and effort to mantain it at the moment. If it is erroneous take it down.

A Former Brilliant Member - 6 years, 10 months ago

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Yo can also edit your question by clicking at the 3 dots.

Anuj Shikarkhane - 6 years, 10 months ago

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