Question:

If \( \alpha, \beta, \gamma \) are the roots of the equation \( x^3 - 3x + 1 = 0 \), then \( \frac{\alpha}{1-\alpha} + \frac{\beta}{1-\beta} + \frac{\gamma}{1-\gamma} = \)

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Transformation of equations is the most robust technique for finding sums of rational functions of roots. It avoids complex algebra and symmetric sum calculations.
Updated On: Jun 9, 2026
  • \( 0 \)
  • \( 3 \)
  • \( -3 \)
  • \( 1 \)
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Concept: While one could calculate the symmetric sum using Vieta's formulas, the method of transformation of equations is significantly more efficient. We aim to find the sum of roots of a new cubic equation where the roots are of the form \( y = \frac{x}{1-x} \).

Step 1: Establish the transformation relationship.
Let \( y = \frac{x}{1-x} \). We need to express \( x \) in terms of \( y \): \( y(1-x) = x \Rightarrow y - yx = x \Rightarrow y = x(1+y) \Rightarrow x = \frac{y}{1+y} \).

Step 2: Substitute into the original equation.
Given \( x^3 - 3x + 1 = 0 \), substitute \( x = \frac{y}{1+y} \): \[ \left( \frac{y}{1+y} \right)^3 - 3\left( \frac{y}{1+y} \right) + 1 = 0 \]

Step 3: Simplify the equation to standard polynomial form.
Multiply by \( (1+y)^3 \): \[ y^3 - 3y(1+y)^2 + (1+y)^3 = 0 \] Expand the terms: \[ y^3 - 3y(1 + 2y + y^2) + (1 + 3y + 3y^2 + y^3) = 0 \] \[ y^3 - 3y - 6y^2 - 3y^3 + 1 + 3y + 3y^2 + y^3 = 0 \] \[ (y^3 - 3y^3 + y^3) + (-6y^2 + 3y^2) + (-3y + 3y) + 1 = 0 \Rightarrow -y^3 - 3y^2 + 1 = 0 \] This simplifies to: \( y^3 + 3y^2 - 1 = 0 \).

Step 4: Find the sum of roots.
For \( y^3 + 3y^2 + 0y - 1 = 0 \), the sum of roots \(\sum \frac{\alpha}{1-\alpha}\) is \( - (\text{coefficient of } y^2) / (\text{coefficient of } y^3) = -3/1 = -3 \). -3
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