Question 28·200 Super-Hard SAT Math Questions·Advanced Math
The functions and are given, where is a positive integer and and are integers. If
for all , which choice is the value of ?
When a product of expressions equals a polynomial for all , use the fact that if one factor is zero at some input, the entire product must be zero there too. Here, becomes zero at , so must be a root of the cubic. With answer choices, the fastest method is to test each choice by plugging into the cubic until you find which one makes it equal 0.
Hints
Look for a value of x that makes the product zero
Find an -value that makes . What must the right-hand side equal at that same ?
Connect p to a root of the cubic
If , then is an -intercept of .
Use the choices to avoid heavy algebra
For each choice of , plug in to the cubic and see which one gives 0.
Desmos Guide
Graph the cubic
Enter .
Find the relevant x-intercept
Click the graph near where it crosses the -axis at a negative -value to display the intersection (the -intercept).
Relate the intercept to p
Because is a root, take the opposite of that negative intercept to get . Then select the matching choice.
Step-by-step Explanation
Use when the product equals 0
If for all , then at any input where , the right-hand side must also be .
Since , we have . Therefore,
Test the answer choices efficiently
Because the choices give possible values of , substitute each into
and check which one makes .
For :
Conclude
Only makes the cubic equal at , so the value of is 5.