# Finding the scope of a parameter where a polynomial can have roots

I have this problem- lets say I have a polynomial which has real parameters as coefficients and I'm looking for the scope of the parameters where the polynomial can have real roots. e.g $x^2+kx+k$ we know that for $0<=k<=4$ we won't have real roots. Is there any algorithm for finding the scope of k for higher order polynomials? Thanks

edit: I think this can be found by Samuelson's inequality , solving what is in the square root will give the bounds. How can this be done to a polynomial with more than one varaiable?

-
Yes, there are many different ways of finding bounds on the roots of polynomials. When the algebraists proved the insolvability of general quintic and higher degree polynomials in the 1800's, the analysts came to the rescue inventing a number of ways of improving bounds on the roots. Some bounds are very rough estimates that are simple to apply, and others are quite delicate and crafty but more complicated to use. –  David H May 21 '14 at 7:57
I know about bounds of roots. My question is can I know bounds on the parameter given ther is a root (doesn't matter wher is the location of the root) –  user1 May 21 '14 at 8:16
Maybe something there will help, if I can say that the bound on the roots is zero by Samuelson's inequality I can find bound on k –  user1 May 21 '14 at 8:20