Mathematics

Mathematics

Problem

Consider the quadratic polynomial q(x)=3x2+kx+4q(x)=3x^{2}+kx+4, where kk is an integer. (i) Show that, for q(x)q(x) to split into two linear factors with integer coefficients, the number k2−48k^{2}-48 must be a perfect square. (ii) Determine all integer values of kk that satisfy the condition obtained in part (i). (iii) For each value of kk found, factorise q(x)q(x) completely.

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