minimum value of a

Let a be the smallest +ve integer with the property as follows:

there are distinct positive integers a1,a2,a3,a4,a5 such that

g(x)=(x-a1)(x-a2)(x-a3)(x-a4)(x-a5) has at least `a` non zero coefficients

find set of (a1,a2,a3,a4,a5) for which this minimum `a` is achieved

6 Answers

39
Dr.House ·

sorry, a small edit tot he question

its not atleast a non zero coeffeiceints

it is

exactly `a` non zero coefficients

341
Hari Shankar ·

are you sure the roots are given to be +ve. Because, otherwise all five coefficients are non-zero.

39
Dr.House ·

yes sir you were right , they are just integers..

39
Dr.House ·

a clue:

start with values for k form 0

i.e take k=0,1,2,...........

and try to reason it out

even a half attempted soln , i can help it

341
Hari Shankar ·

As far as I can make out, a≥4. Can you give us 2-3 more days before we say pass? :D

39
Dr.House ·

ya in my previous post i meant it `a`

mistyped k for a

and sir u sure a ≥4 ?

have a look at that once again

and for time ya ,no probs :D

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