Verified Solution Mathematics Polynomials

If the sum of two zeros of the polynomial P(x) = x³ - 5x² + kx - 7 is 3, what is the value of k?

1 views 1 helpful Updated Jul 2, 2026
Solution ✔ Verified
  • A19/2
  • B7
  • C5
  • D-19/2
Explanation

Let the zeros be alpha, beta, gamma. We have alpha+beta+gamma = 5 and alpha*beta*gamma = 7. Given alpha+beta = 3, we find gamma = 2. Substituting gamma=2 into the product, (alpha*beta)*2 = 7, so alpha*beta = 7/2. The coefficient k is the sum of products of zeros taken two at a time: k = alpha*beta + beta*gamma + gamma*alpha = 7/2 + 2(beta + alpha) = 7/2 + 2(3) = 7/2 + 6 = 19/2.

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