Open Middle®
Directions: Using the integers -9 to 9, at most two times each, place an integer in each box to create a polynomial function with matching roots that have the least range possible.
Hint
How do each of the values you can choose affect the values of the roots? Note that range is being defined as the difference between the least and greatest root values.
Answer
The least range possible that has been found so far is 4 and comes from the choices below. If you find a better one, please share it in the comments.
y = 1x^3 + -4x^2 + 3x + 0
roots: x = 0, x = 1, and x = 4
Source: Robert Kaplinsky