Lourenco Amaro de Oliveira 000092-001

Lourenco Amaro de Oliveira 000092-001 Investigating the pattern evident when polynomials intersect The purpose of this investigation is to explore the patterns involved in the x values of the intercepts, when a parabola is intercept by two lines. After an investigating this matter through examples, a conjecture, about the pattern, will have been reached .To enrich the conjecture, the placement of vertex of the parabola will be change as will the nature of the lines. If the pattern remains the same, after the changes in the parabola and lines, then the conjecture will be assumed to be true and a formal proof will be attempted. After the investigation of a parabola, this investigation will examine the patterns that emerge if the parabola was exchanged with a cubic. If a recognizable pattern emerges another conjecture will be reached. This will lead into an examining of the general pattern encountered when greater polynomials are intersected by lesser polynomials. A conjecture will be made and proved, allowing for a conversation about intersecting polynomials in general.

Investigating the pattern when a parabola is intersected by two lines The first pattern to investigate is when a parabola is intersected by two lines. So Functions under consideration are the parabola:
y = x 6x + 11
2

And the lines:

y=x y = 2x

Using the graphics calculator to graph these functions the image in Figure 1 is obtained:

Lourenco Amaro de Oliveira 000092-001

y
y = x 6x + 11 y = 2x
2

15

10
y=x

10

Figure 1

By using the Maxima Equation Calculator to find the x values of the four intercepts, labelled left to right as x1, x2, x3, x4, the following is deduced:
x1 = 4 5 x2 = 7 + 5 2 x3 = 7 5 2 x4 = 4 + 5

We can then obtain value of x2 - x1:

= 7 5 (4 5 ) 2 -1 + 5 = 2

Which shall be labelled SL

And the value of x -x :

= 4 + 5 7 + 5 2

Lourenco Amaro de Oliveira 000092-001

=1+ 5 2

Which shall be labelled SR

Consequently we can find the absolute value of SL SR:

= -1 + 5 1 + 5 2 2 =1
Which shall be labelled D So to summarize, we obtain the x vales of the four intercepts, the ones the lines y = 2x 2 and y = x made with the parabola x 6x + 11 , for which we assigned labels of x1, x2, x3 and x4. The values of SL (x2 x3) and SR (x4 x3) where calculated Given these two values, D (absolute value of SL-SR) was then calculated If we proceed to compute answers from further very similar examples, and if they yield similar results as the above example, then a conjecture might be made about the value of D.
1 As such lets take the example of the parabola y = 2 x 6x + 22 , whose vertex
2

remains in the same quadrant as the previous parabola and still intersects the lines y = x and y = 2x, see Figure 2

Lourenco Amaro de Oliveira 000092-001

y 30

y = 2x

25
y=1/2 x2-6x+22 X4

20

15

X1

y=x

10
X3

5
X2

10

15

Figure 2

Using the above information, by entering the values into the Maxima Equation Calculator, the following x values of the intercepts are obtained: x1= 8 2 5 x2 = 7 5 x3 = 7 + 5 x4= 8 + 2 5 From which we can calculate the values of SR and SL: SR = x4 - x3 = 8 + 2 5 (7 + 5 )
=1+ 5

SL = X2 - X1 = 7 5 (8 2 5 )
= -1 + 5

And from this we can calculate the value of D: D = SL SR = |-1 + 5 (1 + 5 )|

=2

Lourenco Amaro de Oliveira 000092-001 Now for another example, with a different value of a, which will help ascertain the role of a in the circumstances under consideration

Using again the lines y = x and y = 2x, but this time examining a different parabola,
2 y = 1 x 2x + 5 3 the image see in Figure 3 is obtained

y 30 25 20 15
y=x X4 y = 1 x 2x + 5 3 y = 2x
2

10 5

X1 X3

5
X2

10

15

-5
Figure 3

The information in this example, when typed into the Maxima Equation Calculator, reveals the x values of the four intercepts:
1 Intercepts between y = x and 3 x 2x + 5 :
2

3+

x3 =

7 5 2 3

Lourenco Amaro de Oliveira 000092-001

3 7 5 2 3

x2 =

Intercepts between y = 2x and

2 y = 1 x 2x + 5 3

x4 =
4

28 3 2 3 28 3 2 3

x1 =

Calculating the value of SL:

3 x2 x1 = 2 3 7 3 4 2 2 28 3

-1 =

7 3 2 3

28 3

Calculating the value of SR:

4+ x4 x3 = 2 3 28 3 3+ 2 2 7 3

1+ =

28 3 2 3

7 3

Thereby calculating the value of D:

Lourenco Amaro de Oliveira 000092-001

-1

7 + 3 2 3

28 3

1+

28 3 2 3

7 3

SL - SR

2 = 2 3

=3

With these three examples we now have enough information to make a conjecture By comparing the results we computed from the three different parabolas:
y = x 6x + 11
2

y = 1 x 6x + 22 2
2

y = 1 x 2x + 5 3
2

D=1

D=2

D=3

We realize that in this particular situation the values of D have a relationship based on a. That is, that all three parabolas produce a D value equal to the value of their respective leading coefficient. The value of a of the first parabola is 1, therefore
1 = 1 = D . Likewise the value of a for the second and third parabolas are 1 and 1 1 2 3

respectively. These produce D values of 2 and 3 respectively. From this discovery, the following conjecture can be made: When a parabola, of the form ax2 + bx + c , whose vertices are in the first quadrant and has real roots, is intersected by the lines y = 2x and y = x, the D value produced will be equal to a .
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Lourenco Amaro de Oliveira 000092-001

In order to strengthen the character of our conjecture, Other examples will be scrutinized, so that possible limitations or unknown characteristics of this conjecture may be found: Parabola whose vertices are found in other quadrants and with different makeup Our conjecture is based on the investigation of parabolas whose vertices are found in the first quadrant. Let us now examine the relevance of this conjecture in relationship to parabolas of different quadrants. First, as the lines y = x and y = 2x are not found in the second quadrant, there is no possible way a parabola in whose vertices are contained in the second quadrant can intersect with the lines unless it is concave down. By trying a concurring example, take the parabola to be:
y = -4x + 6x + 2 , Which makes a mapping in relation to the lines y = x and y = 2x as
2

seen in Figure 4.
y
y = -4x + 6x + 2
2

y = 2x

4
X4 y=x

2
X2 X3

-1 -2
X1

-4
Figure 4

As parabolas in the second quadrant have the general form ax + bx + c , a is not negative, which means the absolute value of SL-SR exists.

Lourenco Amaro de Oliveira 000092-001

Intercepts between y = x and the parabola in question shall be labelled x1 and x4 as in previous examples, likewise the intercepts between y = 2x and the parabola shall be named x2 and x3 : Entering the above information into the Maxima Equation calculator produces the following x values of the intercepts:

x1 = -5 57 -8 x2 = -4 48 -8 x3 = -4 + 28 -8 x4 = -5 + 57 -8

From these values we can calculate, SL, SR and D:

SL = x2 x1 = -4 48 -5 57 -8 -8
= 1 48 + 57 -8

SR = x4 x3 = -5 + 57 -4 + 48 -8 -8
= -1 + 57 48 -8

D = SLSR = 1 48 + 57 -1 + 57 48 -8 -8
= 2 -8 =1 4 1 1 As 4 = a , the conjecture seems to hold for parabolas in the second quadrant which

intercept the lines y = x and y = 2x Now the application of the conjecture on parabolas, whose vertices are found in the third quadrant, will be examined. Take the parabola y = x2 + 8x + 8 , which intercepts the lines y = x and y = 2x, see Figure 5.

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Lourenco Amaro de Oliveira 000092-001

y
2

y = x + 8x + 8

10

y = 2x

5
X4 y=x

-10

-8
X1

-6

-4

-2

-5
X3 X2

Figure 5

Entering in the information above into the Maxima Calculator, produces the following x values of the intercepts:

x1 = -7 17 2 x3 = -2

x2 = -4
x4 = -7 + 17 2

From which SL , SR and D can be calculated:

SL

= x2 x1 = -4 -7 17 2 = -1 + 17 2

= x4 x3 = -7 + 17 (-2) 2 SR = -3 + 170 2

= -1 + 17 -3 + 17 2 2

D = SL-SR
=1

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Lourenco Amaro de Oliveira 000092-001 Since the value of D is 1 = 1 = a , the conjecture works on a parabola with a vertex in quadrant three. Finally, the examination of a given parabola in the fourth quadrant. Scrutinizing the The parabola y = x2 6x 11 intercepted by the lines y = x and y = 2x, the image seen Figure 6 is found.
y 20 15
X1 X3 X4

10 5

y = 2x y=x

-2 -5 -10 -15 -20

X2

10

y = x 6x 11

Figure 6

The above information when entered into the Maxima Equation calculator produces the following x values of the intercepts

x1 = 7 93 2 x2 = 8 108 2

x4 = 7 + 93 2 x3 = 8 + 108 2

From which SL, SR and D can be calculated:

SL = x2 x1 = 8 108 7 93 2 2
= 1 108 + 93 2

SR = x4 x3 = 7 + 93 8 + 108 2 2
= 1 + 93 108 2

D = SL SR

= 1 108 + 93 1 + 93 108 2 2

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Lourenco Amaro de Oliveira 000092-001

= 2 2 =1 1 1 D = 1 = 1 = a , therefore the conjecture holds for parabolas with vertices in the fourth

quadrant To summarize, three different parabolas in three different quadrants were scrutinized. The values for D, for all the above mention parabolas were, were found to equal a . As such we can speculate that it works for all parabolas which intercept the lines y = x and y = 2x. Let us now prove it in order to formally establish the merit of the conjecture. Proof of the Conjecture The general form of a parabola is ax2 + bx + c . Equating this general form of a parabola with the lines y = x and y = 2x produces these two equations:
x = x + bx + c
2

2x = x + bx + c

0 = x + (b 1)x + c

0 = x + (b 2)x + c

Substituting in the values of a b and c for these equations into the quadratic formula produces the following two equations:
x = (b 1) (b 1) 4ac 2a
2

x = (b 2) (b 2) 4ac 2a

Following on from we get two x values which we will name X1 and X4, like the parabolas done before, for these are the intercepts of the parabola and the line y = x x1 = b + 1 (b 1) 4ac
2a
2

x4 = b + 1 + (b 1) 4ac
2a

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Lourenco Amaro de Oliveira 000092-001 Pick up from we also get two x values which we will name x2 and x3 like the parabolas done before x2 = b + 2 (b 2) 4ac
2a
2

x3 = b + 2 + (b 2) 4ac
2a

Following the same format as we have for the previous we find the values of SR and SL: SL = x2 x3
2

= b + 2 (b 2) 4ac 2a
2

b + 1 (b 1) 4ac 2a

= 1 (b 2) 4ac + (b 1) 4ac 2a

SR = x4 x3 = b + 1 + (b 1) 4ac
2a
2

b + 2 + (b 2) 4ac 2a

= -1 + (b 1) 4ac (b 2) 4ac 2a

Now, finding the value Of D: D = SL SR

(b 2) 4ac + (b 1) 4ac 2a

-1 +

(b 1) 4ac (b 2) 4ac 2a

= 2 2a =1 a

Therefore the conjecture holds for all real values of a. For any parabola that intercepts the lines y = x and y = 2x, produces four x values of the four intercepts. These when subtracted form each other, x2 x1 and x4 x3, produces two values which when subtracted from each other produces a value of D. As the above mathematical

14

Lourenco Amaro de Oliveira 000092-001 explanation proves, this value of D will equal a for all parabolas that intercept the specified two lines.
1

The value of D was found to equal a for all parabolas intercepting with the lines y = x and y = 2x. However what if the intersecting lines where change, would that effect the end result of D? Seeing if the conjecture holds if the intersecting lines are changed Reverting to the first example of the investigation, let the parabola be
y = x 6x + 11 , however this time let the two intercepting lines be y = x 1 and
2

y = 2x + 4. Maintaining the same labelling convention as used in the first example, the intercepts will be label x1, x2, x3 ,x4 from left to right, see in Figure 7.

20
X4

y = 2x + 4

15
y = x 6x + 11
2

10

X1

X3

X2

y=x1

-2

Figure 7

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Lourenco Amaro de Oliveira 000092-001

Entering the above information in to the Maxima Calculator produces the following x values of the intercepts:
x1 = 1

x2 = 3
x3 = 4

x4 = 7

Calculating SL, SR and D:

SL = x2 x1 = 3 1
=2

SR = x4 x3 = 7 4
=3

D = SL SR = |2 3|
=1 1 1 As D = 1 = 1 = a , it seems the conjecture holds in the intersecting lines are changed

For another example, take the parabola y = x 8x + 8 and the lines y = x 2 and y = 3x 1, see Figure 8.

y 30
X4

20
X1

y = 3x 1

10

X3 y=x2

2 -10
X2

10

y = x 8x + 8

Figure 8

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Lourenco Amaro de Oliveira 000092-001

Entering the above information in to the Maxima calculator produces the following x values of the intercepts:
x1 = 11 85 2 x2 = 9 41 2 x4 = 11 + 85 2 x3 = 9 + 41 2

Calculating SL, SR and D:

9 41 11 85 SL = x2 x1 = 2 2 = -2 41 + 85 2 11 + 85 9 + 41 SR= x4 x3 = 2 2 = 2 + 85 41 2

D = SL SR = -2 41 + 85 2 + 85 41 2 2
= 2 2

=1

1 1 As D = 1 = 1 = a , the conjecture appears to hold if the intersecting lines are changed.

This will now be proven formally for the general case, so that the conjecture can be firmly refined. The general form of a parabola is ax2 + bx + c . The parabola is intersected by two random lines, y = jx + k and y = rx + t . Equating the two lines with the general case for the parabola produces these two equations:
jx + k = x + bx + c
2

rx + t = x + bx + c

0 = x + (b j)x + (c k)

0 = x + (b r)x + (c t)

Substituting the above information into the quadratic formula produces these two equations:

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Lourenco Amaro de Oliveira 000092-001

x = (b j) (b j) 4a(c k) 2a
2

x = (b r) (b r) 4a(c t) 2a

From which the following x values of the intercepts can be deduced:

x1 = (b j) (b j) 4a(c k) 2a x4 = (b j) + (b j) 4a(c k) 2a x2 = (b r) (b r) 4a(c t) 2a x3 = (b r) + (b r) 4a(c t) 2a
2 2 2 2

Calculating SL, SR and D:

2 2 SL = x2 x1 = (b r) (b r) 4a(c t) (b j) (b j) 4a(c k)

2a

2a

= (b r) + (b j) (b r) 4a(c t) + (b j) 4a(c k) 2a

2 2 SR = x4 x3 = (b j) + (b j) 4a(c k) (b r) + (b r) 4a(c t)

2a

2a

= (b j) + (b r) + (b j) 4a(c k) (b r) 4a(c t) 2a

D = SL SR = (b r) + (b j) (b r) 4a(c t) + (b j) 4a(c k)
2a

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Lourenco Amaro de Oliveira 000092-001

=

(b j) + (b r) + (b j) 4a(c k) (b r) 4a(c t) 2a

= 2(b j) 2(b r) 2a = (b J) (b r) a
(b J) (b r) = j r a a

It is clear from the expression we have obtained for D, that our result is independent of the sign r j As such the value of D is the differences in the slopes of the two intercepting lines over a, the conjecture holds for random chosen lines that intersecting a randomly chosen parabola.

Considering that the conjecture holds for all parabolas of the form
2 y = ax + bx + c which are intersected by the lines of the form y = jx + k and

y = rx + t , does it apply to cubic of the form y = ax3 + bx2 + cx + d when it is

intersected by the same lines.

Examination of whether the conjecture holds for Cubics

Take the cubic x3 x2 6x + 5 which is intersected by lines y = x 2 and y = 2x . Labelling the intercepts from left to right as X1, X2, X3, X4, X5 and X6, as in Figure 9.

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Lourenco Amaro de Oliveira 000092-001

y = x x 6x + 5
3 2

y 10
X5 y = 2x

5
X3 y=x2

-4
X2

-2
X4

X6

-5
X1

Figure 9

Entering the above information into the Maxima calculator, the following x values of the intercepts are obtained. For simplicity sake, only the decimal values are included.
x1 = -2.68

x2 = -2.646
x3 = 0.607

x4 = 1
x5 = 2.646

x6 = 3.0735

As was done for the parabolas, the difference of each pair will be calculated and label SL, SR and ST SL = x2 x1 = -2.646 (-2.68) = 0.0347 SR = x4 x3 = 1 0.6069 = 0.3931 ST x5 x6 = 2.645 3.074 = -0.4278

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Lourenco Amaro de Oliveira 000092-001 Now if the three values of SL, SR and ST are added together, we can find D: SL + SR + ST = 0.0347 + 0.3931 + (-0.4278) = 0 In order to make a conjecture let us examine another example. The cubic 3 2 y = 2x x 4x + 3 is intersected by the lines y = 3x and y = 2x 1 as see in Figure 10
y 6
y = 2x x 4x + 3
3 2

X6

2
X5

y = 3x

-2

-1

y = 3x

1
X3

-2
X2

-4
X1

-6

Figure 10

Submitting the above information into the Maxima Equation Calculator, the following x values of the intercepts can be deduced:
x1 = -1.842

x2 = -1.794
x3 = 0.4247

x4 = 0.6991

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Lourenco Amaro de Oliveira 000092-001

x5 = 1.595
x6 = 1.917

Finding the differences of each pair as before: SL = x2 x1 = -1.794 + 1.892 = 0.048

SR = x4 x3 = 0.6991 0.4247 = 0.2744

ST = x5 x6 = 1.595 1.917 = -0.3224

Adding the three values SL, SR, and ST to find D:

SL + SR + SL = 0.048 + 0.2744 + (-0.3224) = 0 From these two examples we found that the value of D appears to be always zero. Therefore a new conjecture emerges, that for cubic intersected by two lines, the Value of D will equal zero. However this is not exactly the same conjecture we had for the value of D involving parabolas and two lines. To connect this more to the previous conjecture, the question must be asked what if the cubic was intersected by two parabolas. Let us prove the conjecture above, where a cubic is intersected by two lines of the forms y = lx2 + jx + k and y = sx2 + rx + t , which are not only parabolas but also lines where l and s equal to zero. That way not only will the conjecture that D will always equal zero for a cubic intersected with two lines be proven , but the above questions validity can also be ascertained. .

Proof of the conjecture on a polynomial intersected by lesser polynomials

22

Lourenco Amaro de Oliveira 000092-001 By equating the general form of a cubic, ax3 + bx2 + cx + d , and the ambiguus forms for the two intersecting lines, y = lx2 + jx + k and y = sx2 + rx + t , the following equations are produced:
lx + jx k = ax + bx + cx + d
2 3 2

sx + rx t = ax + bx + cx + d

0 = ax + (b l)x + (c j)x + (d k)

0 = ax + (b s)x + (c r) + (d t)

To make the proof more concise, let:

m1 =
m2 =

2(b l) 9a(b l)(c j) + 27a (d k) + (2(b l) 9a(b l)(c j) + 27a (d k)) 4(b 3a(c j)) 2
2(b s) 9a(b s)(c t) + 27a (d r) + (2(b s) 9a(b s)(c t) + 27a (d r)) 4(b 3a(c t)) 2
3 2 3 2 2 2 3

n1 = 3
n2 = 3

2(b l) 9a(b l)(c j) + 27a (d k) (2(b l) 9a(b l)(c j) + 27a (d k)) 4(b 3a(c j)) 2
2(b s) 9a(b s)(c t) + 27a (d r) (2(b s) 9a(b s)(c t) + 27a (d r)) 4(b 3a(c t)) 2
3 2 3 2 2 2 3

By substituting the values of equations (1) and (2) into the cubic equation, the following is deduced:
x1 = b l 1 m1 1 n1 3a 3a 3a bs 1 m 1 n x2 = 2 2 3a 3a 3a x3 = b l + 1 + i 3 m1 + 1 i 3 n1 3a 6a 6a x4 = b s + 1 + i 3 m2 + 1 i 3 n2 3a 6a 6a x5 = b l + 1 i 3 m1 + 1 + i 3 n1 3a 6a 6a x6 = b s + 1 i 3 m2 + 1 + i 3 n2 3a 6a 6a

23

Lourenco Amaro de Oliveira 000092-001 Calculating SL:

x2 x1 = b s 1 m2 1 n2 b l 1 m1 1 n1 3a 3a 3a 3a 3a 3a

SL=

= 1 m2 1 n2 + 1 m1 + 1 n1 + l s 3a 3a 3a 3a 3a

SR
x4 x3 = b s + 1 + i 3 m2 + 1 i 3 n2 b l + 1 + i 3 m1 + 1 i 3 n1 3a 6a 6a 3a 6a 6a = 1 + i 3 m2 + 1 i 3 n2 1 + i 3 m1 1 i 3 n1 + l s 6a 6a 6a 6a 3a

Calculating ST:
x6 x5 = b s + 1 i 3 m2 + 1 + i 3 n2 b l + 1 i 3 m1 + 1 + i 3 n1 3a 6a 6a 3a 6a 6a 1i 3 m +1+i 3 n 1i 3 m 1+i 3 n +sl = 2 2 1 1 6a 6a 6a 6a 3a

Calculating D: SL + SR + ST
= 1 i 3 m2 + 1 + i 3 n2 1 i 3 m1 1 + i 3 n1 + s l 6a 6a 6a 6a 3a

+ 1 + i 3 m 2 + 1 i 3 n2 1 + i 3 m 1 1 i 3 n1 + l s + 1 m 2 1 n2 + 1 m 1 + 1 n1 + l s 6a 6a 6a 3a 3a 3a 3a 3a 6a 3a

= 2m2 + 2n2 2m1 2n1 + 4(s l) 2m2 2n2 + 2m1 + 2n1 + 2(s l) 6a = 6(s l) 6a =sl a

As D equals the absolute value of SL + SR +ST

= s l a

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Lourenco Amaro de Oliveira 000092-001

It is clear from the expression we have obtained for D, that our result is independent of the sign s l. As such the value of D is the differences in the leading coefficients of the two intercepting polynomials over the leading coefficient of the greater polynomial which they intersect. From the above examples of the investigation we can see a pattern emerge. If a parabola which is a polynomial of order 2, of the form
2 ax + bx + c is intercepted by two polynomials of order 1, of the form jx + k and

rx t then D = j r a , or the differences in the leading coefficient of the two lower

polynomials over the leading coefficient of the greater polynomial. If the greater polynomial was change to one of order three , but the intercepting polynomials still
sl remained of order one then D would equal a ,which due to the fact that s and l are

zero for first order polynomials, D would equal zero. However if that same polynomial
sl of order 3 were intercepted by two polynomials of order 2 then D would equal a ,

or again, the differences in the leading coefficient of the two lower polynomials over the leading coefficient of the greater polynomial. As such a final conjecture can be reached. If a polynomial of order n is intercepted by two polynomials of order n 2, then the value of value of D will be zero, however if a polynomial of order n is intersected by two of order n 1, then the value of D will be the differences in the leading coefficient of the two lower polynomials over the leading coefficient of the greater polynomial

25

Lourenco Amaro de Oliveira 000092-001

As such when a Quartic, of the form:

ax + bx + cx + dx + e
4 3 2

Is intersected by two Cubics, of the form:

3 2 3 2 sx + rx + tx + u and lx + jx + kx + m

The value of D for will be:

sl a

Conclusion

After investigating the patterns of x values of the intercepts in three different cases, a conjecture was reached about the value of D. When a randomly chosen parabola was intersected by the lines y = x and y = 2x, the value of D will equal a . However, given that the parabolas vertices were all in the first quadrant, further examples were investigated with different placement of the parabola. The value of D was still found be equal to a , thus concurring will the conjecture. To further reinforce the validity of the conjecture, examples were tried where the intersecting lines were changed. Despite this change, the value of D remained the same. Given the strength of the conjecture, it was formally proven to assure its legitimacy. Following the investigating of a parabola which is intersected by two lines, the investigation went on to examine the patterns of the x values of the intercepts encountered when a cubic is intersected by two lines. After various examples it was found that if the values of SL, SR and ST were added together, the value obtained would equal zero. This conjecture was however was not similar to the conjecture made about the value of D when a parabola was intercept by two lines. This dilemma begged the question, what if the cubic was intercepted by two parabolas. A proof was 26
1 1

Lourenco Amaro de Oliveira 000092-001 constructed where a random conic was intercepted by two parabolas, thus formulating an answer to the above question and at the same time, by making the leading coefficients of the two parabolas equal zero, prove the conjecture that the value of D would equal zero when a cubic is intercept by two lines. The proof was formulated, as well as legitimizing the first conjecture about cubics, it enable a further conjecture about polynomials as a whole. That conjecture was that if a polynomial of order n was intercept by two of n 1 then the value of D would equal a , where s and l are the leading coefficients of the lesser polynomial and a the leading coefficient of the greater polynomial. However if a polynomial of order n were intersect by two of order n 2, the value of D would equal zero. Given this final, refined conjecture, the investigation went on to speculate about the nature of higher polynomials. It concluded that if a quartic were intercepted by two cubic the value of would be the difference between the leading coefficients of the cubics over the leading coefficients of the quartic.
sl

27