All about flooble | fun stuff | Get a free chatterbox | Free JavaScript | Avatars    
perplexus dot info

Home > Just Math
Even degree and Odd coefficient Crossed Polynomial Poser (Posted on 2023-10-29) Difficulty: 3 of 5
P(x) is a polynomial of even degree. Also, all the coefficients of P(x) are odd numbers.

Is it possible for P(x) to have a rational root?
• If so, provide an example.
• If not, prove that it is NOT possible for P(x) to have a rational root.

No Solution Yet Submitted by K Sengupta    
No Rating

Comments: ( Back to comment list | You must be logged in to post comments.)
Some Thoughts re: Idea for a=1 | Comment 4 of 7 |
(In reply to Idea for a=1 by Jer)

I think Jer's proof is probably true, but I think we need to add a proof that "if the roots are rational they must be integers".  That part is not immediately obvious to me.  Why can't p and q be non-integers such that b=-(p+q) and c=pq?
  Posted by Steve Herman on 2023-10-30 13:59:20

Please log in:
Login:
Password:
Remember me:
Sign up! | Forgot password


Search:
Search body:
Forums (0)
Newest Problems
Random Problem
FAQ | About This Site
Site Statistics
New Comments (0)
Unsolved Problems
Top Rated Problems
This month's top
Most Commented On

Chatterbox:
Copyright © 2002 - 2024 by Animus Pactum Consulting. All rights reserved. Privacy Information