Can You Solve This Challenging Polynomial Equation?

  • MHB
  • Thread starter anemone
  • Start date
In summary, The conversation discusses a problem of solving a polynomial equation $(x^2-9x+22)^2-9(x^2-9x+22)=x-22$. The participants share their solutions, with one member realizing a typo in the original problem. Another member jokes about impressing others with their solution, while another member shares that they came up with the same method as another member at the same time.
  • #1
anemone
Gold Member
MHB
POTW Director
3,883
115
Solve $(x^2-9x+22)^2-10(x^2-9x+22)=x-22$.
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Well, I couldn't do it. On the other hand I didn't realize how many ways I know how to solve a polynomial equation, so it's been a good problem for me. (I drew the line when it came to solving a general quartic. Even I'm not that crazy! (Sun) )

-Dan
 
  • #3
topsquark said:
Well, I couldn't do it. On the other hand I didn't realize how many ways I know how to solve a polynomial equation, so it's been a good problem for me. (I drew the line when it came to solving a general quartic. Even I'm not that crazy! (Sun) )

-Dan

I was so excited when this new post came into my today challenge problem! And you sure are
witty and humorous...
(Tongueout)
 
  • #4
anemone said:
Solve $(x^2-9x+22)^2-10(x^2-9x+22)=x-22$.

Hi MHB,

I only realized by now that there is a typo, an error in the coefficient of 10 that is attached to the term $x^2-9x+22$ above, the problem should read:

Solve $(x^2-9x+22)^2-9(x^2-9x+22)=x-22$.

I am terribly sorry that I did that.(Tmi)(Doh)
 
  • #5
My solution:

Let's arrange the equation as:

\(\displaystyle \left(x^2-9x+22\right)^2-9\left(x^2-9x+22\right)-x+22=0\)

Expanding and collecting like terms yields:

\(\displaystyle x^4-18x^3+116x^2-316x+308=0\)

Now, let's assume we may factor as follows:

\(\displaystyle x^4-18x^3+116x^2-316x+308=\left(x^2+ax+b\right)\left(x^2+cx+d\right)\)

Expand the right side:

\(\displaystyle x^4-18x^3+116x^2-316x+308=x^4+(a+c)x^3+(ac+b+d)x^2+(ad+bc)x+bd\)

Equating coefficients, we obtain the system:

\(\displaystyle a+c=-18\)

\(\displaystyle ac+b+d=116\)

\(\displaystyle ad+bc=-316\)

\(\displaystyle bd=308\)

Solving this system, we obtain:

\(\displaystyle a=-10,\,b=22,\,c=-8,\,d=14\)

Hence:

\(\displaystyle x^4-18x^3+116x^2-316x+308=\left(x^2-10x+22\right)\left(x^2-8x+14\right)\)

Application of the quadratic formula yields:

\(\displaystyle x=4\pm\sqrt{2},\,5\pm\sqrt{3}\)

Now, that is a mundane way to solve such a fun equation. Let's look at the substitution:

\(\displaystyle u=x^2-9x+22\)

And the original then becomes:

\(\displaystyle u^2-9u+22=x\)

Adding the two equations, we obtain:

\(\displaystyle u^2-8u+22=x^2-8x+22\)

And this may be reduced to:

\(\displaystyle (u-x)(u+x-8)=0\)

Back-substituting for $u$, we then get:

\(\displaystyle (x^2-9x+22-x)(x^2-9x+22+x-8)=0\)

\(\displaystyle (x^2-10x+22)(x^2-8x+14)=0\)

And the roots follow as above:

\(\displaystyle x=4\pm\sqrt{2},\,5\pm\sqrt{3}\) :D
 
  • #6
anemone said:
Solve $(x^2-9x+22)^2-9(x^2-9x+22)=x-22---(1)$.
let $x^2-9x+22=y---(1)$
(1) becomes :$y^2-9y+22=x---(2)$
(1)-(2) we have :$(x-y)(x+y-8)=0--(3)$
$\therefore \,\,x=y---(4),\,\, or \,\,x+y-8=0--(5)$
put (4)(5) to (1) or (2) we get
$x=4\pm \sqrt 2,\,\ or\,\, x=5\pm \sqrt 3$
 
  • #7
MarkFL said:
My solution:

Let's arrange the equation as:

\(\displaystyle \left(x^2-9x+22\right)^2-9\left(x^2-9x+22\right)-x+22=0\)

Expanding and collecting like terms yields:

\(\displaystyle x^4-18x^3+116x^2-316x+308=0\)

Now, let's assume we may factor as follows:

\(\displaystyle x^4-18x^3+116x^2-316x+308=\left(x^2+ax+b\right)\left(x^2+cx+d\right)\)

Expand the right side:

\(\displaystyle x^4-18x^3+116x^2-316x+308=x^4+(a+c)x^3+(ac+b+d)x^2+(ad+bc)x+bd\)

Equating coefficients, we obtain the system:

\(\displaystyle a+c=-18\)

\(\displaystyle ac+b+d=116\)

\(\displaystyle ad+bc=-316\)

\(\displaystyle bd=308\)

Solving this system, we obtain:

\(\displaystyle a=-10,\,b=22,\,c=-8,\,d=14\)

Hence:

\(\displaystyle x^4-18x^3+116x^2-316x+308=\left(x^2-10x+22\right)\left(x^2-8x+14\right)\)

Application of the quadratic formula yields:

\(\displaystyle x=4\pm\sqrt{2},\,5\pm\sqrt{3}\)

Now, that is a mundane way to solve such a fun equation. Let's look at the substitution:

\(\displaystyle u=x^2-9x+22\)

And the original then becomes:

\(\displaystyle u^2-9u+22=x\)

Adding the two equations, we obtain:

\(\displaystyle u^2-8u+22=x^2-8x+22\)

And this may be reduced to:

\(\displaystyle (u-x)(u+x-8)=0\)

Back-substituting for $u$, we then get:

\(\displaystyle (x^2-9x+22-x)(x^2-9x+22+x-8)=0\)

\(\displaystyle (x^2-10x+22)(x^2-8x+14)=0\)

And the roots follow as above:

\(\displaystyle x=4\pm\sqrt{2},\,5\pm\sqrt{3}\) :D

Well done, MarkFL! (Clapping)

If I were you, I would only show to the world of the second very smart solution, at least that could, hopefully, to impress some, hehehe...(Happy)

Edit:

Albert said:
let $x^2-9x+22=y---(1)$
(1) becomes :$y^2-9y+22=x---(2)$
(1)-(2) we have :$(x-y)(x+y-8)=0--(3)$
$therefore \,\,x=y---(4),\,\, or \,\,x+y-8=0--(5)$
put (4)(5) to (1) or (2) we get
$x=4\pm \sqrt 2,\,\ or\,\, x=5\pm \sqrt 3$

Bravo, Albert, and thanks for participating!:)
 
  • #8
my solution is the same as MarkFL's second
part solution ,sorry I did not know he post it first
 
Last edited:
  • #9
anemone said:
Well done, MarkFL! (Clapping)

If I were you, I would only show to the world of the second very smart solution, at least that could, hopefully, to impress some, hehehe...(Happy)

Well, I typed up the first method, but I knew there had to be a more clever way to solve it, so I looked until I found it, and then just added what I had found. Everyone already knows how awesome I am, so there's no need to try to impress...(Smirk)
 
  • #10
Albert said:
my solution is the same as MarkFL's second
part solution ,sorry I did not know he post it first

We were working on them at the same time, and we just happened to come up with the same method. :D
 

FAQ: Can You Solve This Challenging Polynomial Equation?

How do you start solving a problem that involves "solve for x"?

The first step in solving a "solve for x" problem is to identify the equation or expression that contains x. Then, use algebraic operations to isolate x on one side of the equation.

What are some common techniques for solving "solve for x" problems?

Some common techniques for solving "solve for x" problems include: using the distributive property, combining like terms, using inverse operations, and factoring.

How do you know if you have found the correct solution for "solve for x"?

To ensure that you have found the correct solution for "solve for x", you can substitute the value of x back into the original equation and see if it satisfies the equation.

What should you do if you get stuck while solving a "solve for x" problem?

If you get stuck while solving a "solve for x" problem, go back to the basics and review the properties of algebraic operations. You can also try working backwards from the given answer to see if it satisfies the equation.

Can you use the same approach to solve all "solve for x" problems?

While most "solve for x" problems can be solved using algebraic operations, some may require other methods such as graphing or using substitution. It's important to approach each problem individually and determine the best method for solving it.

Similar threads

Replies
5
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
7
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
6
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
1K
Back
Top