2007 AMC 12A Problem 18

Below is the professionally curated solution for Problem 18 of the 2007 AMC 12A, from LIVE by Po-Shen Loh. You can also try the full timed exam, view all 2007 AMC 12A solutions, or check the answer key.

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Concepts:complex numberpolynomial

Difficulty rating: 1630

18.

The polynomial f(x)=x4+ax3+bx2+cx+df(x)=x^4+ax^3+bx^2+cx+d has real coefficients, and f(2i)=f(2+i)=0.f(2i)=f(2+i)=0. What is a+b+c+d?a+b+c+d?

00

11

44

99

1616

Solution:

Since ff has real coefficients, the conjugates 2i-2i and 2i2-i are also roots. Thus f(x)=(x2+4)(x24x+5)=x44x3+9x216x+20.f(x)=(x^2+4)(x^2-4x+5)=x^4-4x^3+9x^2-16x+20.

Then a+b+c+d=4+916+20=9.a+b+c+d=-4+9-16+20=9. Equivalently, a+b+c+d=f(1)1=(1+4)(1+1)1=9.a+b+c+d=f(1)-1=(1+4)(1+1)-1=9.

Thus, the correct answer is D.

Problem 18 in Other Years