Three Roots in Progression

Problem

Let f(x)=∣x−a∣−4x+af(x) = |x - a| - \dfrac4x + a with a∈Ra \in \mathbb{R}. Determine whether there exists aa such that the equation f(x)=3f(x) = 3 has exactly three distinct real roots forming an arithmetic progression. If so, find all such aa; if not, explain why.

Answer

Solution

Difficulty7/10
Topicsfunctions, Arithmetic Progression, Absolute Value, Casework

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