2002 AMC 12A Problems/Problem 25
Contents
Problem
The nonzero coefficients of a polynomial 
with real coefficients are all replaced by their mean to form a polynomial 
. Which of the following could be a graph of 
and 
over the interval 
?
Solution
The sum of the coefficients of and of will be equal, so 
. The only answer choice with an intersection between the two graphs at 
is (B). (The polynomials in the graph are 
and 
.)
Solution 2
We know every coefficient is equal, so we get 
which equals 
. We see apparently that x cannot be positive, for it would yield a number greater than zero for 
. We look at the zeros of the answer choices. A, C, D, and E have a positive zero, which eliminates them. B is the answer.
See Also
| 2002 AMC 12A (Problems • Answer Key • Resources) | |
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