A couple of not so simple problems from old contests

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around several mathematical problems sourced from old contests, focusing on polynomial equations and their properties. The problems involve proving relationships between roots, analyzing conditions for real solutions, and exploring divisibility in polynomials.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster presents multiple problems and seeks assistance in solving them. Some participants inquire about the strategies attempted, while others express uncertainty about how to approach specific problems. One participant suggests a method involving polynomial division and Vieta's formulas for the first problem.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing their thoughts and attempts at solving the problems. Some guidance has been offered, particularly regarding the first problem, but there is no clear consensus or resolution yet.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions a lack of available solutions online and expresses a need for help, indicating that the problems may be challenging. There is also a sense of uncertainty among participants regarding their ability to tackle the problems effectively.

myro111
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I found some problems from old contests in my book and I need some help solving them since I could not find the solutions online.

Some USA contest problems:

1.(1977.)Let a and b be 2 solutions of x^4+x^3-1=0 .Prove that a*b is the solution of x^6+x^4+x^3-x^2-1=0

2.(1983.).Prove that all the solutions of x^5+ax^4+bx^3+cx^2+dx+e=0 are real if 2a^2<5b

German contest

3.(1977.)How many pairs of numbers p,and q from N which are smaller than 100 and for which x^5+px+q=0 has a rational solution exist ?

Moscow olympiad

4.(1951.) Dividing the polynomial x^1^9^5^1-1 with P(x)=x^4+x^3+2*x^2+x+1 we get a quotient and remainder.What is the coefficient next to x^1^4 in the quotient?

5.(1955.)If p/q is the root of the polynomial f(x)=a[0]*x^n+a[1]*x^n^-^1+...+a[n] and p and q don't have common divisors.If f(x) has integer coefficients then prove that p-k*q is a divisor of f(k) for every integer k.

Thank you very much!
 
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What have you tried so far? Do you have ideas how to tackle them?
 
1. Divide the second polynomial with x-ab and I get as a remainder (ab)^6+(ab)^4+(ab)^3-(ab)^2-1 The remainder is the second polynomial but instead of x it is ab.I got this idea because if we have a polynomial P(x),a is the root only and only if P(x) is divisible by x-a,and that fact is well known.The other idea was Vietes formulas but couldn't get anything.

2.No idea.

3.No idea

4.No idea.

5.No idea.
 
I'm kidding myself that I have anything close to the knowledge required to solve these, but...

Write x^6 + x^4 + x^3 - x^2 - 1 = 0 as x^4 + x^3 - 1 = x^2 (1 - x^4), substitute x = a, that should help you to get a range of values for ab.
 
Dont worry I solved it another way.But thanks for the try.I used Vietes formulas
 

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