document.write( "Question 235917: A polynomial in x has degree 3. The coefficient of x^2 is 3 less than the coeffcient of x^3. The coeffcient of x is three times the coeffcient of x^2. The remaining coeffcient is 2 more than the coeffcient of x^3. The sum of the coeffcients is -4. Find the polynomial. \n" ); document.write( "
Algebra.Com's Answer #173699 by ankor@dixie-net.com(22740)\"\" \"About 
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
polynomial in x has degree 3. (ax^3 + bx^2 + cx + d)
\n" ); document.write( "Let coefficient of x^3 = a
\n" ); document.write( ";
\n" ); document.write( "The coefficient of x^2 is 3 less than the coeffcient of x^3.
\n" ); document.write( "b = (a-3)
\n" ); document.write( ":
\n" ); document.write( "The coefficient of x is three times the coefficient of x^2.
\n" ); document.write( "c = 3b
\n" ); document.write( "we want everything in terms of a, replace b with (a-3)
\n" ); document.write( "c = 3(a-3)
\n" ); document.write( "c = (3a - 9)
\n" ); document.write( ":
\n" ); document.write( " The remaining coefficient is 2 more than the coefficient of x^3.
\n" ); document.write( "d = (a+2)
\n" ); document.write( ":
\n" ); document.write( " The sum of the coefficients is -4. Find the polynomial.
\n" ); document.write( "a + b + c + d = -4
\n" ); document.write( "replace b, c, d
\n" ); document.write( "a + (a-3) + (3a-9) + (a+2) = -4
\n" ); document.write( "a + a + 3a + a - 3 - 9 + 2 = -4
\n" ); document.write( "6a - 10 = -4
\n" ); document.write( "6a = -4 + 10
\n" ); document.write( "6a = +6
\n" ); document.write( "a = 1
\n" ); document.write( "then
\n" ); document.write( "b = 1 - 3
\n" ); document.write( "b = -2
\n" ); document.write( "and
\n" ); document.write( "c = 3(-2)
\n" ); document.write( "c = -6
\n" ); document.write( "and
\n" ); document.write( "d = 1 + 2
\n" ); document.write( "d = 3
\n" ); document.write( ":
\n" ); document.write( "x^3 - 2x^2 - 6x + 3 is the polynomial
\n" ); document.write( ";
\n" ); document.write( ";
\n" ); document.write( "Check solution
\n" ); document.write( "1 - 2 - 6 + 3 = -4
\n" ); document.write( "
\n" );