Solve this cubic equation...

(x^2+x-2)^3+(2x^2-x-1)^3=27(x^2-1)^3

Source: RMO 2002

4 Answers

66
kaymant ·

To be precise, its a 6 degree equation albeit an easy one.

1708
man111 singh ·

put x2+x-2 = a
and 2x2-x-1 = b
then 3x2-3 =(a+b)
or 3(x2-1) = (a+b)
now the expression become a3+b3 = (a+b)3
now solve this expression.
3ab(a+b) = 0
means
a = 0
b = 0
and (a+b) = 0
actually this solution was given by hsbhatt sir in another forum.

62
Lokesh Verma ·

A different (simpler?) way to reach there would have been by observing that (x-1) would be a factor on the whole product...

Then you are left with ....

(x+2)3+(2x+1)3=27(x+1)3

66
kaymant ·

that was the way I thought about the problem..

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