MHB Can Polynomial Constraints Determine a Unique Integer Solution?

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The discussion revolves around a polynomial P(x) with integer coefficients, specifically given values at P(21), P(32), and P(37). The problem requires proving that if P(N) equals N + 51 for some integer N, then N must be 26. Participants analyze the polynomial's behavior and constraints based on the provided values. The solution involves demonstrating that the only integer satisfying the equation under the given conditions is indeed 26. The conversation highlights the uniqueness of the integer solution derived from polynomial constraints.
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Here is this week's POTW:

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Let $P(x)$ be any polynomial with integer coefficients such that $P(21)=17,\,P(32)=-247$ and $P(37)=33$.

Prove that if $P(N)=N+51$ for some integer $N$, then $N=26$.

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Congratulations to kaliprasad for his correct solution(Cool)!

Model solution from other:
If $P(N)=N+51$ for some integer $N$, then $P(x)-x-51=(x-N)Q(x)$ for some polynomial $Q(x)$ by the factor theorem.

Note $Q(x)$ has integer coefficients because $P(x)-x-51=P(x)-P(N)-(x-N)$ is a sum of $a_i(x_i-N_i)$ terms with $a_i's$ integer.

Since $Q(21)$ and $Q(37)$ are integers, $P(21)-21-51=-55$ is divisible by $21-N$ and $P(37)-37-51=-55$ is divisible by $37-N$ is 16, we must have $N=26$ or 32.

However, if $N=32$, then we get $-247=P(32)=32+51$, a contradiction. Therefore, $N=26$.
 
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