Let f ( x ) = x 3 + a x 2 + b x + c be polynomial with integer coefficients. If the roots of f ( x ) are…

Let f(x)=x3+ax2+bx+c be polynomial with integer coefficients. If the roots of f(x) are integer and are in Arithmetic Progression, then 'a' cannot take the value
  1. 642
  2. 1214
  3. 1323
  4. 1626

Solution

Given that, f(x)=x3+ax2+bx+c

Now, since the roots of the polynomial are in Arithmetic Progression,

Let the roots are s-t, s, s+t

s-t+s+s+t=-a1

-3s=a

Hence, a must be multiple of 3.

From given options we see that only 1214 is not multiple of 3.

Asked in: AP EAMCET 2021 (19 Aug Shift 1)

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