Challenge 264: Quadratic Query
The values of x which solve the quadratic equation x2 + px + 1 = 0 are a and b.
The values of x which solve the quadratic equation x2 + qx + 1 = 0 are c and d.
What is the value of (a + c)(b + c)(a – d)(b – d) if p = q?
More generally, what is the value of (a + c)(b + c)(a – d)(b – d) in terms of p and q?