If the set of all values of a, for which the equation 5x3-15x-a=0 has three distinct real roots, is the interval ( , ), then -2 is equal to .
Answer
30
Solution
Roots of 5x3-15x=a are the points where y=a cuts f(x)=5x3-15x.
f'(x)=15 (x2-1 )=0 x= 1: f(-1)=10 (maximum), f(1)=-10 (minimum)
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Three distinct roots when the line cuts the curve three times: -10<a<10
-2 =10+20=30
Answer: 30