# Math Help - Polynomials

1. ## Polynomials

If $\alpha$ and $\beta$ are roots of the equation $x^2+mx+n=0$, find the roots of $nx^2+(2n-m^2)x+n=0$ in terms of $\alpha$ and $\beta$

2. Originally Posted by nerdzor
If $\alpha$ and $\beta$ are roots of the equation $x^2+mx+n=0$, find the roots of $nx^2+(2n-m^2)x+n=0$ in terms of $\alpha$ and $\beta$
From the first equation you can get n and m in terms of $\alpha$ and $\beta$:

$\alpha \, \beta = n$.
$\alpha + \beta = -m$.

Solve the second equation using the quadratic formula. Then replace n and m in terms of $\alpha$ and $\beta$.

3. ## Help?

Originally Posted by mr fantastic
Solve the second equation using the quadratic formula. Then replace n and m in terms of $\alpha$ and $\beta$.
How do I do the quadratic formula with the 2nd equation? It gets really messy and I can't get it. Help?

4. Originally Posted by nerdzor
How do I do the quadratic formula with the 2nd equation? It gets really messy and I can't get it. Help?
Sorry, but messy in maths is like digging a hole with a spade. It can be done but it takes effort. Your effort, not mine.

If you're genuinely stuck (as in you have absolutley no idea what to do) I or someone else will give additional assistance (but not with the manual labour).

5. Originally Posted by mr fantastic
Sorry, but messy in maths is like digging a hole with a spade. It can be done but it takes effort. Your effort, not mine.

If you're genuinely stuck (as in you have absolutley no idea what to do) I or someone else will give additional assistance (but not with the manual labour).
But, instead of a spade you might try using a bobcat by noting that if $\gamma$ and $\delta$ are roots of the second equation, then

$\gamma \, \delta = 1$
$\gamma + \delta = \frac{m^2}{n} - 2$

where I've obviously divided the second equation through by n first .....