The roots of the equation z^3 + 2z^2 +3z - 4 = 0, are a, b and c . Show that a^2 + b^2 +c^2 = -2

If the roots of this cubic equation are a, b and c, then the equation can be written(z - a)(z - b)(z - c) = 0multiplying this out gives:z^3 - az^2 - bz^2 - cz^2 + abz + acz + bcz - abcgrouping terms with z to the same power in them, this becomes:z^3 + (-a - b - c)z^2 + (ab + ac + bc)z - abcEquating the coefficients in the equation above with the coefficients of the equation in the question gives the following equations:(-a -b - c) =2 ora + b + c = -2and(ab + ac + bc) = 3and-abc = -4.To show that a^2 + b^2 + c^2 = -2, first we need to manipulate our expressions above to get an expression with a^2 + b^2 +c^2 in it. The most obvious way to do this is by squaring (a + b +c) i.e.(a + b + c)^2 = (-2)^2which multiplies out to givea^2 + b^2 + c^2 + 2ab + 2ac + 2bc = 4-> a^2 + b^2 + c^2 + 2(ab + ac + bc) = 4We now that (ab + ac + bc) = 3, so substitue this into the expression abovea^2 + b^2 + c^2 + 2(3) = 4Finally, take away 6 from both sides to get,a^2 + b^2 + c^2 = -2

EH
Answered by Eden H. Further Mathematics tutor

6905 Views

See similar Further Mathematics A Level tutors

Related Further Mathematics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain the process of using de Moivre's Theorem to find a trigonometric identity. For example, express tan(3x) in terms of sin(x) and cos(x).


a) Find the general solution to the differential equation: f(x)=y''-12y'-13y=8. b) Given that when x=0, y=0 and y'=1, find the particular solution to f(x).


Find the equation of the tangent to the curve y = exp(x) at the point ( a, exp(a) ). Deduce the equation of the tangent to the curve which passes through the point (0,1) .


How do I find the vector/cross product of two three-dimensional vectors?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning