CAT Quantitative Aptitude Questions | CAT Algebra - Polynomials questions

The question is about Polynomial Remainder Theorem. We need to find out the range which is also a solution to the given inequality. This question is one of the tougher examples of remainder theorem but it can be solved nonetheless. Check it out! Polynomials is a simple topic which involves a lot of basic ideas. Make sure that you a get of hold of them by solving these questions.

Question 2: Solve the inequality x³ – 5x² + 8x – 4 > 0.

1. (2,\\infty \\))
2. (1, 2) \\cup\\) (2, \\infty\\))
3. (-\\infty \\), 1) \\cup\\) (2, \\infty \\))
4. (-\\infty \\), 1)

Explanatory Answer

Method of solving this CAT Question from CAT Algebra - Polynomials: This question is one of the tougher examples of remainder theorem but it can be solved nonetheless. Check it out!!

Let a, b, c be the roots of this cubic equation

a + b + c = 5
ab + bc + ca = 8
abc = 4
This happens when a = 1, b = 2 and c = 2 {This is another approach to solving cubic equations.}

The other approach is to use polynomial remainder theorem.
If you notice, sum of the coefficients = 0

=> P(1) = 0
=> (x – 1) is a factor of the equation. Once we find one factor, we can find the other two by dividing the polynomial by (x–1) and then factorising the resulting quadratic equation.
(x – 1) (x – 2) (x – 2) > 0

Let us call the product (x – 1)(x – 2)(x – 2) a black box.
If x is less than 1, the black box is a –ve number.
If x is between 1 and 2, the black box is a +ve number.
If x is greater than 2, the black box is a +ve number.
Since we are searching for the regions where black box is a +ve number, the solution is as follows:

1 < x < 2 OR x > 2

The question is "Solve the inequality x³ – 5x² + 8x – 4 > 0."

Hence the answer is "(1, 2) \\cup\\) (2, \\infty\\))"

Choice B is the correct answer.