Packet M: Bonus 19

A method in which these quantities are “undetermined” can be used to find particular solutions of inhomogeneous differential equations. For 10 points each:
[10m] Name these quantities which multiply variables in polynomials. Vieta’s formulae relate these quantities to a polynomial’s roots.
ANSWER: coefficients [accept method of undetermined coefficients]
[10e] In a Maclaurin series, the coefficient of x to the n is equal to the nth derivative of f evaluated at 0, divided by this function of n. This function, denoted by an exclamation mark, is equal to the product of all the integers from 1 to n.
ANSWER: factorial [or bang]
[10h] With examples including Pell’s equation, if the coefficients and solutions of an equation are all integers, it is given this adjective, named after a 3rd century mathematician from Alexandria. This adjective also names a method of approximating real numbers by rationals.
ANSWER: Diophantine [accept Diophantine equation; accept Diophantine approximation; prompt on Diophantus of Alexandria]
<Editors, Other Science> | Packet M

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