Higher Degree Equations

For higher degree equations of degree n, we can use the following formulae:
n-1 n
Sum of roots taken one at a time (S1) = - (coefficient of x / coefficient of x )
n-2 n
Sum of roots taken two at a time (S2) = coefficient of x / coefficient of x
n-3 n
Sum of roots taken 3 at a time (S3) = - (coefficient of x / coefficient of x )

And so on with alternatively positive and negative sign.

n
Product of roots = (+ or -) constant term / coefficient of x

The positive sign is to be used for an even numbered degree equation and negative sign for an odd
numbered degree equation.
3 2
Example Question 1: If p, q, r are the roots of the equation x + 6x + 12x + 24 = 0, find the equation with
the roots 2p, 2q and 2r.

We know, S1 = p + q + r = - 6

S2 = 12

P = - 24

Now, for the equation, whose roots are 2p, 2q and 2r.

S1 = 2p + 2q + 2r = 2(p + q + r) = 2*(-6)= -12

S2 = 2p*2q + 2q*2r + 2p*2r = 4*12 = 48

P = 2p*2q*2r = 8*(-24) = -192

Thus, required equation is x3 + 12x2 + 48x + 192 = 0

Waving Curve Method

This method is helpful in solving the inequalities involving higher degree. Lets take the below question as
an example:

Example Question 2: Solve the inequality (x-3)(x-2)(x+1) 0

Step 1: First we find the zeros of all factors (x-3)(x-2)(x+1). Zeros can be found by putting all factors
equal to zero.

In this case, the zeros are 3,2 and -1,

x-3 =0 we get x=3; x-2 =0 we get x=2; and x+1 =0 we get x=-1
Step 2: Now mark the above said zeros on a number line as shown:

-1 2 3

Step 3: Now we will draw a curve starting from the greatest number (Extreme right hand side) in this case
it is 3 and the curve would start from the upper side of the number line and should cross each of the
marked point.

The regions covered by the curve above the number line are marked as +ve and the regions below the
number line are marked as ve.

+ +

_ -1 2 _ 3

Step 4: In our question we have to find the region so the answer is (-, -1] U [2, 3].

This method is however, only applicable if the following conditions are met:

When the equality can be factorised in the form (x-a)(x-b)(x-c) where a, b anc are integers.

On the right hand side of the inequality, there should be a zero.

Negative sign should not be there with x. If its there, remove it by reversing the sign of the inequality.

Now, if the there is power of x in the numerator and the denominator has some factor(s), we will use the
below example:
2
Example Question 3: [(x-3)(x+2)(x+1) /(x-2)] 0
First we mark the zeros on the number line. Put a circle at a point that is derived from the factor which is
in the denominator. Mark X on a point that is derived from a factor having even power. In this case it is -1.

-1 1 2 3

Here, the curve will retrace its path- where X is marked. If its on the upper side, itll remain on upper
side and similarly for lower side.

Now, the region is 0. We will not be including the points where circle is marked as its derived from
the denominator. Thus the required region is: (-,-1] U (2,3].

Best Wishes!!

Team Bulls Eye