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A-LevelFurther MathematicsRoots of polynomial equations9231/12 · May/June 2021 · Q39 Marks

The equation x⁴ - 2x³ − 1 = 0 has roots α, β, γ, δ.

  1. (a)Find a quartic equation whose roots are α³, β³, γ³, δ³ and state the value of α³ + β³ + γ³ + δ³.[4]
  2. (b)Find the value of 1/α³ + 1/β³ + 1/γ³ + 1/δ³.[3]
  3. (c)Find the value of α⁴ + β⁴ + γ⁴ + δ⁴.[2]

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2021). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

  1. [B1] Correct substitution.
  2. [M1] Obtains an equation not involving radicals.
  3. [A1]
  4. [B1 FT]
  5. [M1 A1 FT] Relates 1/α³ + 1/β³ + 1/γ³ + 1/δ³ to coefficients.
  6. [A1]
  7. [M1] Uses original equation.
  8. [A1]

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About this question

Topic
Roots of polynomial equations, A-Level Further Mathematics (syllabus 9231). Structured question, 9 marks.
Source
A-Level Further Mathematics, May/June 2021 Paper 1 Variant 2, question 3.

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