+0  
 
+3
223
3
avatar+85 

How many cubic (i.e., third-degree) polynomials f(x) are there such that f(x) has nonnegative integer coefficients and f(1)=9?

 Aug 18, 2022
edited by Doremy  Aug 18, 2022
 #1
avatar+2666 
+2

Here's my attempt:

 

Let the function be in the form \(ax^3 + bx^2 + cx + d = y\). Also note that \(f(1) = 9\) means that \((1,9)\) is a point on this graph. Subbing this in gives us \(a + b + c + d = 9\)

 

With stars and bars, we use 3 bars, so it is \({9 + 3 \choose 3} = 220\). But, this accounts for \(a = 0\), which we don't want; it has to be a cubic polynomial. 

 

If we "remove a", there are 9 stars, but only 2 boxes, so there are \({9 + 2 \choose 2} = 55\) ways for \(a = 0\).

 

So, there are \(220 - 55 = \color{brown}\boxed{165}\) polynomials. 

 Aug 18, 2022
 #2
avatar+85 
+5

Thank you. That was a very clear explanation.

Doremy  Aug 18, 2022
 #3
avatar+2666 
+1

You're welcome!!

BuilderBoi  Aug 18, 2022

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