Let $a$ and $b$ be real numbers such that $a \ne 0$. Prove that not all the roots of $ax^4 + bx^3 + x^2 + x + 1 = 0$ can be real.
Source: CRMO 2012 Region 1 p6
Tags: polynomial, polynomial equation, Real Roots, algebra
Let $a$ and $b$ be real numbers such that $a \ne 0$. Prove that not all the roots of $ax^4 + bx^3 + x^2 + x + 1 = 0$ can be real.